how long before pipping and hatching, when hatched should they come

[maoriauctions]

I have pipping at the moment with two eggs, i was wondering what is the time frame between pipping and hatching and also when is the time to help out if the need arises. I was also wondering what to do here there are alot of cats around here and possums, the hens are fine but should i bring the chicks inside, im unable to fix the pen at this point and time

 

[speckledhen]

Sometimes, they pip up to 24 hours before they actually break out of the egg. Some people elect not to ever help, on the reasoning that a chick that cannot break out of the shell is too weak anyway, but I would help if the chick seems too exhausted to get out on its own after being pipped for a day and the membrane is drying out too much.
As far as bringing them in, with the predators you mentioned, I'd say yes, indeed, bring them inside if you don't have a predator-proof place for the hen and her little ones. Cats and possoms will eat chicks.

 

[maoriauctions]

Thank u for your reply, i just went and had a look and they are still slowley chipping away well i think thats what i can hear. could you please explain to me what happens if the membraine dries out and in desperate measures could you just open the shell to break them out or would u need to kind of replicate how they would do it

 

[speckledhen]

This should tell you what you need to know about helping the little ones out:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=9316