Breaking Shells: A Chick’s First Day on Earth

Posted on February 17, 2025 by Weekend Homesteader

The Battle Begins: Pipping & Peeping

The first thing I remember? Tapping. A tiny, rhythmic tap-tap-tap from inside my own personal eggshell prison. It wasn’t loud, but it was determined—the sound of a chick making its grand entrance into the world.

That first little hole is called the pip, and it’s a BIG deal. Why? Because until then, I had been breathing through the egg’s membranes and blood vessels—but the second I pipped, I got my first gulp of real oxygen.

And let me tell you—air has never tasted so good.

Now, you might think I immediately busted out, superhero-style. WRONG. After pipping, I had to rest. A LOT. Hatching is exhausting work, and even tiny future reporters like myself need a power nap before the next step.

Zipping: The Great Egg Escape

Once I gathered my strength, it was time for phase two: ZIPPING.

Zipping means cutting a clean line all the way around my eggshell with my special egg tooth (a tiny, temporary spike on my beak). This is where the real drama happens—one wrong move, and I’d be stuck inside, waiting for a rescue mission.

But I wasn’t about to be a quitter.

I pushed. I wiggled. I KICKED.

And then, finally—CRACK.

With one last shove, I burst out of my shell, wet, exhausted, and looking like a slightly overcooked noodle. Not my best look, I’ll admit, but give me a break—I had just fought my way into existence.

Life Outside the Shell: What Happens Next?

Once I was free, I expected cheering, applause, maybe a welcome parade. Instead, I got flopped onto warm bedding next to a bunch of other equally damp, confused chicks.

The first few hours were all about drying off, fluffing up, and getting used to my new body. My legs were wobbly, my wings didn’t work yet, and my eyes were still adjusting to actual light. Everything was HUGE—especially the giant creatures (humans) who kept making weird “aww” noises.

But most importantly, I had done it.

Chick’s First Meal: The Search for Snacks

After a long rest under the heat lamp of life, I suddenly had one mission and one mission only:

🥚 Find food.

Lucky for me, the humans had already set up a feeder full of chick crumble (aka the breakfast of champions). At first, I wasn’t sure what to do—I had never eaten before, after all. But after watching a few of my fellow hatchlings give it a go, instinct kicked in.

And let me tell you—food is amazing.

Water, on the other hand? Almost drowned in it. (Note to all newborn chicks: water is weird. Proceed with caution.)

First Night: Settling In

By the time night rolled around, I had:
✔️ Hatched from my egg (dramatically, of course)
✔️ Learned to walk (sort of)
✔️ Discovered food (life-changing)
✔️ Avoided drowning in the water dish (a major win)

Now, all that was left to do? Sleep. And let me tell you, after all that effort, I slept HARD—sprawled out, face down in the bedding, looking completely lifeless (which, by the way, totally freaked out the humans).

Final Thoughts from a Newly Hatched Superchick

Hatching isn’t easy, but it’s the first step in becoming a strong, healthy flock member.

So, to all the tiny eggs out there waiting for their big moment—stay strong, peck hard, and push through.

The world is waiting for you (and so is the food).

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some very important pecking to do. 🐣

- Cluck Kent, Official Flock Safety Reporter

What About Your Chicks?

Do you remember the first time your chicks hatched? Did you have any hatching day drama? Drop your stories in the comments—I promise to read them between snack breaks. 😉