So, you've been patient, and while you may have no finger nails left after chewing them while staring at the pips, you are starting to see real action. That whole is starting move now and that little guy/gal in there is really working hard. What does it look like when they zip?
These are the beginnings of "zips". The chick is starting to turn itself as it pecks at the shell. Sort of like an electric can opener.
On the left we have the advanced zip and the chick is ready to push. On the right we have the hatch.
Let's slow that down:
Let's slow that down:
Push..................................................................Push.......................................................................
and............................................................out!!!
How long does it take from the start of a zip to the hatch out??? In my experience my chicks are always out w/in the half hour. Generally, about 15-20 minutes. Some do take longer but it is uncommon for a zipper to start zipping and stop w/o resuming in a timely manner. A zipper that has zipped half way and hasn't finished in hours, usually signifies something is up. Not always, but chances are good.
Now, I'm going to let you in on a little trick. How I keep my zippers motivated. If you have a mobile device that you can use to bring up a video of chicks chirping, (I use a youtube video-one day old chicks peeping) set it beside the bator and play the video. I start playing the video periodically through the day once they start pipping and anytime that I question if a rester is really just resting. As soon as they hear that recorded peep, they react. When I play it during zipping, it keeps them going and they are out in no time!
How long does it take from the start of a zip to the hatch out??? In my experience my chicks are always out w/in the half hour. Generally, about 15-20 minutes. Some do take longer but it is uncommon for a zipper to start zipping and stop w/o resuming in a timely manner. A zipper that has zipped half way and hasn't finished in hours, usually signifies something is up. Not always, but chances are good.
Now, I'm going to let you in on a little trick. How I keep my zippers motivated. If you have a mobile device that you can use to bring up a video of chicks chirping, (I use a youtube video-one day old chicks peeping) set it beside the bator and play the video. I start playing the video periodically through the day once they start pipping and anytime that I question if a rester is really just resting. As soon as they hear that recorded peep, they react. When I play it during zipping, it keeps them going and they are out in no time!