Hatching Beginning! Questions *(Updated with end results)*

[ddcoyne]

Ok, so we have had 16 eggs in the incubator. Today is our 20th day. As of last night we saw a few pips and we're hearing LOTS of peeping and seeing a bunch of wiggling eggs. I've only noticed 2 eggs that I haven't seen wiggle, so I'm optimistic. This is the first time we've ever attempted this, so we know nothing about the process of the babies actually hatching out. Since tomorrow is actually day 21, should we not expect any babies until then? Are the ones that pipped last night likely to wait another 24 hours until we see them? I'd love any info that you guys can offer! My kids, hubby & I are so excited to see our baby Silkies and Silkie/Cochin mixes!

It sounds crazy, but it's almost like awaiting a birth at the hospital! lol

 

[ddcoyne]

I'm also wondering how long before a pip or small crack starts to Zip, and if I've seen a pip and then nothing for a while, is something wrong?

 

[ddcoyne]

Well, I got no responses here, but I do have 4 beautiful black and splash Silkie babies so far.

 

[peepblessed]

Well, I got no responses here, but I do have 4 beautiful black and splash Silkie babies so far.

Congratulations!! It can and often does take up to 24 hours after pip or longer.

 

[Arielle]

I have had chicks pip and zip in as little as 4 hours and others over 24 hours.

THey are not in trouble as long as there is enough air ventilation. I have had chicks hold on for a couple days. WHen the peeping starts to decrease after 24 hours is when I think of helping. IF you choose to help there is a thread with a very lengthy, and very helpful, how- to advice. All chicks need to gothru a final process of absorbing the yolk sac and enclosing it into their belly and the blood vessels lining the egg membrane need to disappear as well. AND then there is pipping and zipping and napping.

It's very exciting to experience chicks hatching!

 

[Ilovemyduckies]

If you don't see anything for a while then that is not a problem. I remember how worried I was when I hatched my first eggs. Mine pipped, then it took about 18 hrs before looked like it did anymore.

 

[ddcoyne]

Just a quick update.

At the end of about a full 24 hour period, 15 of our 16 eggs hatched! I was amazed! I couldn't believe our success rate! We have 15 beautiful, healthy fuzzy butts! No problems so far, a full 3 days after hatching. I am elated!

 

[meshellrose]

that's great!

 

[redhen689]

Awesome!