Duck Egg Pipping Early

[Mbetha]

I am a teacher incubating ducks in the classroom. We are on day 22 so I didn't plan on locking down the incubator for 2-3 days, but today I have one that has pipped and another that appears close. I took the turner out and added some water to bring the moisture up to hatching range. Will is hurt the rest of the eggs to stop turning them now?

 

[Corbdee]

Welcome to BYC! It shouldn't hurt when they're this close. Your temps were likely too high during the first stages of incubation and it's causing a quick hatch. If you have a calibrated thermometer/hygrometer, put it inside the incubator and make sure the temperature is at 99.5F and humidity at 65-75%. Did you candle them before you set them on the hatching tray to see if any others were internally pipped? This can be a good benchmark for the next few days when determining whether or not to assist.

 

[Mbetha]

I did! I saw at least 3 that look like they are in the process of internally pipping. When would I need to consider assisting?

 

[Corbdee]

I did! I saw at least 3 that look like they are in the process of internally pipping. When would I need to consider assisting?

Only if it's been 24 hours after internal pipping and they haven't externally pipped or progressed anymore, at which point you can make a small safety hole about the size of the tip of a screw. This article explains everything very nicely: Guide to Assisted Hatching for All Poultry

 

[George678]

Only if it's been 24 hours after internal pipping and they haven't externally pipped or progressed anymore, at which point you can make a small safety hole about the size of the tip of a screw. This article explains everything very nicely: Guide to Assisted Hatching for All Poultry

I had no idea ducks could start pipping as early as day 22?