24 hrs, and still no pips!

[katharinad]

He will take its time. I'm not kidding, because quails hop out in 10-20 minutes from piping, ducks take their time (24-48 hours). Now that the shell is open you should expect at least 12 hours. They rest a lot and take their time to absorb the yolk. Don't rush it, just check every 6 hours and make sure the membrane does not shrink wrap on the little guy. Also remember that the towel may dry out, especially is you have a fan in your incubator.

 

[secretquail]

I turned the fan off when they went into lockdown. Just put another wet towel in to hopefull boost the humidity even more. There is no membrane over the exposed part of him, so I'm not worried about that. He is really about 1/2 way out. It looks like he is curled up in one of those 70's Mork and Mindy egg chairs. ugh, I hope he makes it

 

[desertdarlene]

I hope you get yourself a nice little duck. I have my fingers crossed.

 

[teresa-78]

come on baby

hope all is going well

 

[secretquail]

My little guy is still alive. He is very lethargic though. I just cut the last of the membrane from the umbilical area, it was basically stuck to him, not allowing him to move around. Now he is pushing himself around a bit, but not lifting his head much. I will leave him in the bator for another few hours, and put him in a brooder set-up before I get to bed.

Is there anything I can do for him? He is just sleeping. I keep peeking through the window to make sure he is still breathing. Sugar water? Vitamins? I'm afraid he won't make it through the night, and I want to do everything I can. Please give any advice you have!

 

[katharinad]

Give him electrolytes with vitamins in his water and mix up a food mash with the same water. Keep him on this type of water for an entire week, then weekly, and once per month once 3 months old. I make all my hatchlings drink that water by dipping their bill into it. Weaklings I make drink every 4 hours for their first 12 hours. You will be surprised how fast they recover. It is not uncommon for ducklings to hatch and then just sleep 4 hours. So he may not be dying, but is just exhausted. Remember ducks are completely different compared to quails. Everything is in slow motion with them. I had a duck with his umbilical court hanging on him for another day. It fell of the next day, and yes ducks have big belly buttons.