? on pip

[ruger 21]

How long after they first break a hole in through the shell should they hatch out. They are due to hatch today and one was rocking and noticed a small hole about 6 hrs ago and nothing more seems to be happing.

 

[ChickieG'ma]

It can take hours after the first pip. The chick will work for awhile then rest and catch it's breath then go at it again. We have only hatched under a broody hen but I did find one of the eggs just pipped and went out hours later to find the chick, still wet from just hatching. The advice from all the experienced hatchers seems to be "sit on your hands and don't worry overmuch."