What's a Pip exactly? I think I might have one?

[huckleberryfarm]

Just got back from the farm and of course, I ran over to the incubator. One of my first set of eggs (day 21) has a little hole now at the bottom and I can see something black in there. Is that a pip? I don't hear anything or see anything. The kids and I just did a happy chicken dance!

 

[Year of the Rooster]

Sounds like a pip to me

. A pip is the first hole the chick makes in the shell. Once it starts going around the shell, that is called zipping.

 

[huckleberryfarm]

Yippee!!! So happy I didn't kill all of them!

 

[Year of the Rooster]

Oh and whatever you do.. DO NOT attempt to help it out if it doesn't hatch right away. Hatching is hard work and the chick may rest a few times. Each one is different. I had 1 chick that just sprinted his way out, while the others were about 12 hours behind. If you still question whether or not to help, just ask us

 

[huckleberryfarm]

I'm not planning on helping and I threatened my children with death if they touch the bator. I have four eggs on day 21 and 8 eggs on day 19 so it will be awhile. I better get my behind to TSC and get ready for the chicks. My husband said why bother if I didn't do it right. No faith!

 

[Wynette]

When you say "at the bottom" - you mean the big end, right? They should pip at the fat end of the egg.

Yeppers...now you just need to sit on your hands! So easy!

 

[huckleberryfarm]

I took them out of the egg carton and just laid them on their sides on paper towels. Is that okay? The pip is at the bottom by the towels. I need to go check where exactly.

 

[Wynette]

Yes, that's fine; you could have just left them in cartons for future reference - that's what I do, but I do trim the sides down to expose more of the egg.

paper towels aren't the best thing to have in a hatcher, because they often can't get a good grip with their feet depending on what bator you're using and how slippery the bottom is, but I'm sure they'll be just fine.

What are you hatching?

 

[huckleberryfarm]

It's on the fat side. I can see a little something poking out and moving. Fascinating! I have a RCom Suro 20. The first 4 eggs (including this one) are sizzles (Frizzled silkies). The other 8 are frizzled standard cochins. All are from BYC members!

 

[Year of the Rooster]

Good luck with them!

I hope they all hatch healthy and lively!