A chick typically takes about 21 days to hatch from the time incubation begins. The incubation period for chicken eggs is generally 20 to 21 days, with some variation depending on conditions and flock factors
. Key details about the hatching process:
- Incubation period: About 21 days on average. Eggs are usually turned several times daily for the first 18 days, then turning stops to allow the chick to position for hatching
- Hatching timing: Most chicks hatch on day 21, but some may hatch a day or two earlier or later. If no hatching occurs by day 23, the eggs likely will not hatch
- Hatching duration: Once the chick starts breaking the shell (a process called pipping), it can take anywhere from 5 to 24 hours to fully hatch. Five to seven hours is more common, but some chicks take longer
- Pipping stages: The chick first internally pips by breaking into the air sac inside the egg to take its first breath, then externally pips by breaking the shell. The final stage, called "zipping," is when the chick breaks the shell open enough to emerge
- Environmental conditions: During incubation, temperature is maintained around 99-102°F (about 37.5-39°C) with humidity around 45-55% initially, increased to 65-70% during the last days to facilitate hatching
In summary, it takes about 21 days for a chick to develop and hatch, with the actual hatching process-once started-taking several hours up to a full day
