Not pipped yet?

[Ashleigh2904]

My chick has been cheeping in his egg for about 72 hours. I am so scared he'll suffocated. Would it be terrible of me to make a little air whole in the air sack end and then put him back in the nest for mum to sit on?
I dont know how many days chicks cheep before pipping an hatching as this is my first time.

Im probably goin to go outside and find hes hatched over night but please reply just incase!

 

[Megan Amber]

Sometimes my chicks peep up to three day's before hatching. I wouldn't try to pip for him. That would be to risky. Do you have it under a broody hen or in an incubator?

 

[Ashleigh2904]

Broody hen. He was the only one cheeping but my broody has been stealing other chickens eggs so they're all incubating at different stages.
Hes stopping cheeping now so I'm feeling pretty disappointed as I think he was the only one developing right.

 

[Megan Amber]

I am sorry to hear that. Doesn't mean he didn't make it though. Give him some more time.

 

[Ashleigh2904]

I just went to tuck my chickens in for bed and one of my eggs had pipped and there was cheeping! And mum agreed it sounded like more than one chick so happy now!

looks like hes broken the egg but not the white bit under it, is that normal or should I be doing something?

 

[bugglesmommy]

I know this is a very anxious time but don't let your nerves makes you do something you'll regret! Here is an outstanding guide on when and how to assist hatching.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/step-by-step-guide-to-assisted-hatching

Helping too soon is a very bad thing! Make sure you understand the hatching process before you do anything! Keep us posted.

 

[Megan Amber]

That is good news!! I would let things go on naturally a little while longer. It should break through the white part within a few hours. Chick hatching is a very S L O W process!

 

[bugglesmommy]

Chick hatching is a very S L O W process!

You're telling me! I had a chick take almost 30 hours to hatch last time!

 

[Ashleigh2904]

Thank you so much for replying! I do really appreciate it, it has helped to have others to talk too. I'll go check before i go to bed in a couple more hours an see where we're at. I'll try an get a picture also for you all to see of the pipped egg and keep you updated

 

[Megan Amber]

That would be perfect!