On about day 19 of the incubation period, the chicks will begin the pipping process. This involves the baby chicks using their ‘egg tooth’ to peck a hole in the eggshel around the air sac to access 15
oxygen, before pipping an area large enough for it to be free of its shell. This process can take up to 24 hours and should not be rushed.
The chicken will emerge with wet ‘down’ feathers, however they dry quickly, and will be extra fluffy and adorable in no time. Most chickens are able to stand and walk about straight after birth, however some may be a bit wobbly at first.
Page 15 of 223
