Abandoned duck egg. Need help asap

[lilnuggets]

91 is not warm enough. It needs to be at least 96, preferably 98-100, but less than 104. Can you maybe position the heat lamp nearby so it will get a little warmer inside there?

How’s the other duckling doing?

Yes I can move the heat lamp i will work on getting the heat up to 98-100. the other duckling is doing great he is eating and drinking well. He's also pretty active. He hangs out with me most of the day while I'm home so he doesn't get lonely. I was going to go get him friends but my daughter got sick so that hasn't happened yet. I'm hoping this other egg hatch so he has a buddy.

 

[lilnuggets]

Do I need to be turning the egg over once a day?

 

[WVduckchick]

Do I need to be turning the egg over once a day?

No, do not turn it now. The duckling should be in hatching position now. Just make sure the lowest dipped side of the air cell is laying up.

 

[lilnuggets]

No, do not turn it now. The duckling should be in hatching position now. Just make sure the lowest dipped side of the air cell is laying up.

Thank you! I will double check it.

 

[lilnuggets]

Another update. I think this baby will be hatching soon I candled it again and can see the shadow of the ducks mouth opening and closing in the air pocket looks like it's nibbling on the inside of the egg. Hopefully this is a good sign. I got the tempature up to 98 and am keeping a close eye on it. Once it does hatch how long should I leave it in my homemade incubator before introducing it to the other baby duck?

 

[Flockandfowl46]

You can introduce them as soon as the new one is dry and trying to walk

 

[WVduckchick]

Another update. I think this baby will be hatching soon I candled it again and can see the shadow of the ducks mouth opening and closing in the air pocket looks like it's nibbling on the inside of the egg. Hopefully this is a good sign. I got the tempature up to 98 and am keeping a close eye on it. Once it does hatch how long should I leave it in my homemade incubator before introducing it to the other baby duck?

It could still be a while. But now that you see it in the air cell, it should break the shell within about 24 hours. So keep an eye out for a full pip now.

But after that, it could be another 24-48 hours before it hatches! Yes 2 days
Ducks are very slow hatchers.

So if it goes the distance, the other one could be several days old. It will depend on size difference a bit at that point, but since the other one has been alone (right?) you will probably be able to cautiously introduce them within the first 24 hours after this one hatches. You will have to judge by activity level and how strong this later one comes out. Let’s cross that bridge when we get there though.

 

[PirateGirl]

@Pyxis may be able to offer some advice along the way and has hatched many eggs.

@KikisGirls I feel like you may want to follow along here for fun and offer advice on how best to macguyver this homemade incubator on the fly!

@lilnuggets good luck, we are all hoping to see your duck make a successful entry into this world. The one that hatched will be thrilled to have a buddy!

 

[lilnuggets]

It could still be a while. But now that you see it in the air cell, it should break the shell within about 24 hours. So keep an eye out for a full pip now.

But after that, it could be another 24-48 hours before it hatches! Yes 2 days
Ducks are very slow hatchers.

So if it goes the distance, the other one could be several days old. It will depend on size difference a bit at that point, but since the other one has been alone (right?) you will probably be able to cautiously introduce them within the first 24 hours after this one hatches. You will have to judge by activity level and how strong this later one comes out. Let’s cross that bridge when we get there though.

.

Yes the other one has been alone but has been cuddled up against the incubator like he knows he's got a friend in there lol maybe that's just my wishful thinking. I really thought this egg was a goner but am super excited it has made it this far.

 

[lilnuggets]

Just went out and finished my normal routine with my ducks/chickens outside and noticed that mama duck has already started laying again. 1 fresh egg was waiting for me. Why would she start laying again so soon after just having hatched out babies less than a week ago? Could it be beacuse she rejected the babies and this egg I'm trying to save?