24 hrs, and still no pips!

[secretquail]

One of my babies has been chirping in the egg since last evening, but there are still no pips in any of the eggs. Is this normal? How long will they talk before getting down to business?! They are due to hatch on Friday, so I am just sitting on my hands. It surprised me to hear one so early!

 

[katharinad]

The chirping one should have piped within 24 hours. They eventually run out of air and die in the egg. I would carefully pip the one egg that has chirped, but leave the other ones alone. Sometimes the pip is so small that you may not see it, but you should feel it. Its a good idea to make a drawing of the egg positions in the incubator and take notes with date and time like has wiggled, chirped, piped, etc. This can help when it comes to making decisions. Oh forgot to say, ducks need much longer to hatch then quails. Just saw your name and thought I point this out.

 

[obsidianembrace]

Just bringing this up in case, what kind of ducks are they? (I don't know anything, just want people posting after to be sure they know).

good luck, i hope someone can help (although it's probably best to leave it alone for a few more days, i know it's hard)

 

[secretquail]

They are appleyards, the large ones. I'll look to see if there is a pip. Can't be too sure looking in through the top.

 

[usschicago1]

Is your Humidity in Check?

 

[secretquail]

The humidity could be a bit higher...Ive struggled to keep it at 75. Just popped a hole, and the little one is peeping away. The membrane was 1/2 off. Hope he comes out soon, I think it may be the only one that made it.

 

[usschicago1]

Quote:
Im not sure what the humidity is supposed to be for ducks, but that was probably why

I hope it makes it. There are a few threads on her about helping chicks out if your considering it.

 

[secretquail]

I'm thinking about it, who wouldn't, but I know I shouldn't. But if the egg is too dry,...well you could justify about anything if you put your mind to it.

I'll check the threads, thanks.

ok, so here is where things are....

I popped open the egg a bit around the air sac. A little beak was wiggling at me so I went a bit farther. I pulled back the membrane and the shell where there were no veins. His leg loosened away from the shell, and I can see the yolk sac. It is still attached. It looks like his belly is a ball. not sure if this is a good thing. He is still curled in the egg, and a wet cloth is holding it. Not sure I did the right thing, but his friend that was wiggling next to him didn't make it...the membrane was all dried out, so who knows. I'll keep the info coming as it changes.

 

[katharinad]

You need to get the humidity up or they will shrink wrap. Add sponges to increase the moisture's surface.

 

[secretquail]

I have the egg wrapped in a wet cloth. Just waiting to see what the little one does.