When do they start chirping?

[countyroad1330]

I was wondering, at what point during incubation do the chicks actually start cheeping? I know that my last batch gave a few chirps before pipping, but I can't remember how close to hatch date.

Also, the eggs lay on a flat piece of wire grating in my incubator. When they start to hatch they roll around and move all the other eggs. Should I be doing something different?

 

[kstaven]

They will start peeping after they internally pip. Usually late day 19 or on day 20.

The rolling doesn't hurt then at all. I've hatched tons of chicks and watched the new ones play soccer with those just starting to pip and they hatch out just fine.

 

[chickabator]

I don't know mine are on day 21 and I still have not heard anything

 

[kstaven]

Maybe your temps are a little low and they are not going to externally pip for another day or so?

Usually my eggs are rocking well by late day 20 and they are peeping before that. No mistaking the sound of peeping chicks.

 

[hart31]

Quote:
Some people use rubber bands, pipe cleaners, or zip ties to form a kind of round base to keep the eggs from rolling around.