Once an egg is pipped how long until they emerge?

[cupman]

I checked my eggs last night before bed. I noticed probably 5 or 6 eggs had little cracks in them that must be from the little birds trying to peck their way out. I checked again in the middle of the night and now this morning. The progress on them is very slow. Some appear to have made no progress since last night. Is this normal or is this a bad sign? It's only day 20 but I had two hatch yesterday so I'm getting some early arrivals.

 

[chicmom]

I'm going through the same thing right now. A pip started last night, with no progress. I think it's normal. Not an easy task, getting out of an egg. How's your humidity? I have mine set at 65.

Good luck with the hatch, I've gotta check mine when I get home......I hope I see a chick or two...

Sharon

 

[cupman]

My humidity is a little too high but I'm just riding it out at this point. My humidity bounces between 77 and 85 percent. I found the answer since posting this question. After a chick pips the egg it can last up to 24 hours before it begins the zipping process to break a path out. Some people recommended intervention sooner, like 12 hours in, but everyone has their own way.

I had a casualty on a chick hatching this morning. During the zipping process she stopped, after it hadn't moved in 30+ minutes I tried to recover the egg but it had twisted inside the egg, landing it's beak into some goo. I am pretty sure the chick drowned. I'd be more likely to assist a zipper than a pipper but natural always seems best.

Good luck with your birds.