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My quail chick is taking a long time to hatch. When should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

How long can it take for a King Quail to hatch? This morning my 9th baby Quail started to hatch, it has been over 3 and a half hours since it started hatching. I can hear it silently tweeting and can see it breathing. It is taking a long time for it to finish hatching. The hole in its egg is about 1 cm wide. I know it's bad to help it hatch. Is there anything I can do for it? It is taking a lot longer than previous eggs took to hatch. Is it also normal for my eggs to hatch in groups of threes?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on November 2nd, 2018

Once they pip (break through the shell), it can take as long as 24 hours before completely hatching out. Temperature and humidity will play a role in the length of time it takes. It is best to not interfere unless the chick is in obvious distress.
Eggs will typically hatch after about q9 days of incubation. Eggs laid first will hatch before others.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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