Abandoned duck egg. Need help asap

[casportpony]

Not sure if he has slept since trying he's been active when I checked on him. I haven't been able to watch the entire process though so it's possible. I'm trying to work and take care of a sick and screaming toddler during all this. I have moved the incubator into my office and can her him pecking at the inside of the shell right now

Sorry your kid is sick.

Can you post a picture of your incubator?

 

[PirateGirl]

@chickens really

Is chipping away some of the shell the best way to help? You mention humidity, are there things the OP can do to improve humidity? Are there things the OP can do to check and/or help to keep the membrane moist? Since the OP has not watched a hatch before what are signs she should look for that tell her it's too dry or that the duckling is in distress? I know it's not always clear cut when to help and when not to, but any specific warning signs to look out for would be helpful.

Your knowledge is appreciated!

 

[lilnuggets]

Sorry your kid is sick.

Can you post a picture of your incubator?

Looks like the duckling is starting to push out the shell more.

 

[chickens really]

@chickens really

Is chipping away some of the shell the best way to help? You mention humidity, are there things the OP can do to improve humidity? Are there things the OP can do to check and/or help to keep the membrane moist? Since the OP has not watched a hatch before what are signs she should look for that tell her it's too dry or that the duckling is in distress? I know it's not always clear cut when to help and when not to, but any specific warning signs to look out for would be helpful.

Your knowledge is appreciated!

Definitely lots can be done to support an egg in hatching. Depends on what it needs?...Oil to moisten membrane etc.
I won't bother unless they ask for help...

 

[WVduckchick]

If it keeps smacking the shell, it’s doing fine. Watch for more chips to come away. If it stops for more than 15 minutes at a time, and doesn’t break any more shell off, then i would start thinking about possibly assisting. As long as it is active, it’s best just to wait. It has plenty of room to breathe now. Keep an eye on its bill, make sure it doesn’t turn away from the opening that it already has started b

 

[chickens really]

If the membrane is too dry it can't get out on its own either..

 

[shawluvsbirds]

I usually judge when to help by the yawning and chewing. If would watch it and see it's little bill making a chewing motion and frequently yawning that is a sign it could still be absorbing yolk.
When it stops doing that so much and really starts fussing up a storm then I have a better idea that it is ready.

Unless you think it's already passed this stage and is becoming weak. . I would wait it out and see.

 

[Pyxis]

Following along If he's making progress on his own and the zip is getting bigger, then he's doing okay on his own. If he stalls out and the zip stops progressing, it's time to step in.

 

[chickens really]

That Duckling is your decision...Going by my thoughts it's ready for you to chip the end off the shell because I seen the shell and looked ready to me. Plus trying all this time..

 

[PirateGirl]

None of us are there in person and all we can do is offer @lilnuggets all the options and then advice based on how she chooses to proceed. It is a personal decision when and how much to assist and this duckling already has a far better chance now that it's been taken away from the incompetent broody. We are all pulling for the little duckling to make a smooth appearance into this world.