Pip to zip

[Crazychickengirl2]

So I know that birds first pip then after awhile they zip. But why can't they just go straight to zip? What takes them so long?

 

[Lady of McCamley]

It is my understanding that during the hatching process, the chick is also absorbing the egg yolk which is receding into its abdomen, then naval closing. That has to happen before the chick is out of the sterile environment of the shell.

There is also enormous effort extended by the chick to get that first pip. Then it has to take a gulp of air. Many breathe and nap for a bit before they begin the arduous task of zipping.

So a lot is going on in the egg.

LofMc