Chicken eggs typically take about 21 days to hatch after incubation begins. The hatching process starts around day 18 when the chick prepares to break out of the shell. During this time, egg turning is stopped to allow the chick to position itself properly for hatching
. Key points in the hatching timeline include:
- Days 18-19: The chick absorbs the remaining yolk and positions its head toward the air sac inside the egg.
- Day 20: The chick pierces the inner membrane to breathe air for the first time, a process called "pipping."
- Day 21: The chick uses its egg tooth to peck a hole and then pecks around the shell to break free. This "unzipping" process can take anywhere from a few hours up to 24 hours or more
Some variation in timing is normal; chicks can hatch a day or two earlier or later depending on factors like temperature, humidity, and whether the eggs were cooled before incubation
. In summary, expect chicken eggs to hatch around 21 days, with the actual emergence of the chick taking several hours once pipping begins.
