Day 20 - my most optimistic egg is pipping!

[SoggyForks]

This is my first time hatching eggs by myself (lots of barnyard mixes, 2 bantams, and 3 black copper marans) and one of my barnyard babies is pipping! Is it concerning that her pip is on the side instead of the base (closer to the air sac)? Does she need help?
Also, just for general advice, how long should I wait after the hatch to put the baby in the brooder box? It's already warmed with water and food ready. Do I wait for her down to dry?

 

[Debbie292d]

Congratulations! Looks like you'll have chicks pretty soon!

For the one pipping on the side, I'd leave it alone as it can take them 24 hours from pip to hatch. If after that it's not out, then you may need to help. Here's a great article on assisted hatching.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/guide-to-assisted-hatching-for-all-poultry.72886/

Once hatched, they can go 72 hours without food/water. That's how those hatcheries are able to ship day-old chicks. I leave them in there until all are hatched. Any that aren't dry, fluffy, and walking around, I leave those in too. If I ever have any with potential foot/leg issues, I turn the incubator down to 95F and leave them in there another day. Sometimes that resolves itself.

Congrats again and wishing you a great hatch!