If all goes well, after about 124 to 150 days of incubation a young Gila will arch its head back within the egg and, with several biting motions, slice through the egg membrane and shell with its egg tooth. After pipping, young Gilas will frequently take a few days before emerging from their eggs. During this time they will absorb the considerable remaining yolk into their abdomen. Do not remove the Gilas prematurely.

Once Gilas pip, they will begin to drink the liquid contents of their egg. If you are lucky and you peer into the slit in the egg you may observe the Gilas tongue go in and out as it takes its first drink. Even after exiting the egg, hatchling Gilas will return to the shell and consume all that remains within it. This is likely an adaptation to living in a harsh and arid environment.

It is best to leave hatchling Gilas alone and let them pip and exit the egg naturally. A normal and fully developed baby Gila should have no trouble exiting its egg without any assistance. If you "help" by enlarging the slits in the shell or if you open the egg prematurely, the Gila may, in turn, exit the egg prematurely—before all the yolk has been absorbed. Contain your excitement leave them alone to hatch naturally!