Learn If You Should Help Your Chick Hatch

For backyard chicken keepers, it is generally not recommended that you help a chick hatch from its egg. Fertilized eggs take about 21 days of incubation to develop and hatch. The chicks will ultimately decide when they are ready to make their big debut into the world. It’s a fascinating process, but one that requires patience and trust in nature.

The Hatching Process

Around day 21 (give or take a couple of days), the chicks will create a small crack on the surface of the eggshell called a “pip hole.” You may be able to see the tip of their beak coming through. At this point, the chick will quietly rest, breathe oxygen, and wrap up the final stages of its development. This rest period is crucial, as the chick is absorbing the remaining yolk, which provides essential nutrients and energy needed for the final push.

The Importance of Patience

Some novice poultry keepers get nervous after seeing a pip hole and no progress. However, it’s essential not to panic and, more importantly, be patient! The time between the formation of a pip hole and final hatching can easily be 12 to 24 hours. As long as the pip hole is present, the chick can breathe and is not in any danger. Remember, the egg has been a comfy, cozy home for your chick for three weeks—don’t rush to evict them!

The chick will start hatching in earnest when it’s ready, a process known as “zipping.” During zipping, the chick will make tiny cracks around the egg in a counter-clockwise direction until it can push itself out of the shell. Unzipping usually happens fairly quickly, but again, be patient. Rushing the process can harm the chick, as premature assistance can damage blood vessels or cause other developmental issues.

To Assist or Not to Assist

Some people choose to assist their chicks with hatching. However, this is risky and should only be attempted under unique circumstances and with extensive knowledge of chick development and the hatching process. Here are a few scenarios where assistance might be considered:

1. Malpositioned Chick: Sometimes, a chick might be in a wrong position that makes it difficult to hatch. This can be identified if the chick has pipped in an unusual spot or is struggling significantly beyond the typical hatching window.
2. Stuck Membrane: If the membrane inside the egg has dried out and become tough, it might prevent the chick from zipping effectively. This can happen in conditions of low humidity during incubation.
3. Weak Chicks: Occasionally, a chick might lack the strength to break free from the shell. This could be due to various health issues or developmental delays.

Even in these scenarios, assisting should be done with extreme caution. It’s essential to understand the risks involved. Interfering too early or incorrectly can cause more harm than good, leading to injury or death of the chick.

How to Assist

If you do decide to assist, here are some critical steps to follow: