What does pip mean?

[willkatdawson]

I have my BO hen sitting on 4 eggs. She has been on them for 14 days. I have been reading post on broody hens hatching eggs and almost all mention the word pip and peep in referance to the eggs. Can you help me out. Also once the chicks hatch how long do I need to leave the mom and chicks in the coop closet. Can the mix in with the flock right away. At night will she stay on the coop floor with the chicks or will she roost. Sorry for all the questions but, new at broody moms.

Thanks

 

[old mill poultry]

Pipping refers to them breaking out of the air cell before they start zipping. You usually will see a break in the eggshell.

 

[CindyS]

Pip means when the chick pecks a hole in the shell. Internal pip means the chick has pecked a hole in the inner membrane of the egg. I dont recommend letting a momma hen loose with the other adult birds, they may kill the chicks. Also she will get mad at the others for even getting near them and attack and scatter her chicks. the momma will keep them warm at night. she will not roost.