Length of time

[Jo Gridley]

After the initials little cracks appearing in the egg, how long until the beaks appears. One egg cracked a little 7 hours ago and not much more happening. Thanks. Jo

 

[Caribear]

Sometimes it can take a long time. I think our longest one went 36 hours from pip to hatch. As long as they have cracked the shell, they are getting air and you don't have to worry about them too much. They have plenty of energy reserves to last a few days if need be.

 

[Jo Gridley]

Thank you, I seem to have spent most of the day watching them, probably a daft question, but do they hatch at night, or is it just a day time thing. LOL Jo

 

[Fat Daddy]

Thank you, I seem to have spent most of the day watching them, probably a daft question, but do they hatch at night, or is it just a day time thing. LOL Jo

They hatch when ever they want! I have woke up to find a bator crawling with chicks. Quail seem to time the hatch and come out in waves. Like popcorn some say. You can hear them peep'n from inside the shell, talk'n to each other.... Try and not mess with them too much and just sit on your hands awhile longer.... You will notice a humidity spike once they start hatching. This is normal, its caused by all the moisture from the wet chicks. Now is the time to spin your brooder lights up and get it up to about 100 degs. Sprinkle some Game bird starter on the paper towel or shelf liner in the bottom.... Feed dish with a shinny new dime in the middle, on top of the feed to draw their attention. Feed dish goes under the light, water fount with marbles or stones on the far end of the brooder away from the light. This is so they will naturally run back to the warmer end of the brooder and not fall asleep with their head in the water fount.... Have we covered it all? I think your about ready for chicks! Good luck Jo, Bill

 

[Jo Gridley]

Ahh Bill, thank you so much, for all your advice, may have to sit up tonight, just in case, don't want to miss the first one. Jo.

 

[Fat Daddy]

Come on Jo, Tell me a story about quail hatch'n?