Zipping?

[ThaJuicyJuice]

I get pipping, but what is zipping? and how would you help a chick zip?

 

[kathyinmo]

Pip is the first hole or indentation in the egg. Next it will "zip," like a zipper going around the egg. Next step is, of course, hatching.

 

[superchemicalgirl]

I've got some pictures of pipping and zipping on my hatch page: https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=46869-new-years-day-hatch-2011

You'll get a lot of conflicting advice about whether to help them zip or not. Know that it can take up to 24 hrs to zip/hatch from pipping. I don't help unless they don't progress for a LONG TIME. I first turn on the shower to HOT in the bathroom and get it all steamy in there then take the egg/chick in and slowly peel the outer (hard) shell off then maneuver the chick out of the inner (soft) membrane. Sometimes I just take the top off and then put the chick in the halfshell back into the incubator and put a piece of a warm wet washcloth over the exposed chick (to keep it moist) but leaving the beak exposed (to breathe).

 

[ThaJuicyJuice]

Quote:
No progress, meaning nothing in the passed 5 hours?

 

[superchemicalgirl]

Quote:
No progress, meaning nothing in the passed 5 hours?

No. It is normal to take up to 24 hrs from pip to zip/hatch. I don't help til after 24 hrs have passed and would suggest you do the same - I don't interfere with "normal."

 

[redhd077]

I'm pipped about 34 hrs ago and thats it. Is it to late for it??

 

[ThaJuicyJuice]

I am going to wait this one out and see how it goes. A bit too much blood I think. Going to play it safe. What is the worst thing that could happen? If it has yolk that can sustain it and open to air for breathing?

 

[superchemicalgirl]

Quote:
Is it still chirping? Can you hear it moving around in there?

You'll find a lot of discussion on these boards whether to help out or not... I opt to do it but there's good arguments both ways. Keep in mind that the chick might be weak and might not make it even if you do help it out.

 

[superchemicalgirl]

Quote:
I believe that if it has a lot of blood it is not ready yet to hatch. They pip and then start absorbing the blood from the membrane. I believe that's why it takes so long sometimes.

Patience... and keep us posted of course.