Ack! One baby here.. nobody else has even pipped!

[carcar80]

So I was shocked when I went to check my eggies ten mins ago and one was popping OUT! I had no idea he had unzipped all the way around, I thought he was just starting to zip! Haha. Anyway, he's all over the place in that bator..

I flattened out my wet washcloths so he won't be able to bump the element but I don't know.. I guess I'll move him to the brooder alone when he's dry? I mean, he's okay w/out water for now, right? He's "dabbling" at the wet cloths.. I do have my brooder at a good temp (thank goodness I got all that together this morning, at least!) and put a cushy/fuzzy Lightning McQueen pillow in it to keep him company while he waits.. good enough?

 

[Megan Amber]

When it comes to this point I don't actually follow the rules. I like to take my babies out when they hatch and move them to the brooder before they actually dry. It is just such a wonderful bonding moment especially with ducklings! And yeah, they will be fine without water for a while.

 

[carcar80]

Erm.. Oops. How did this turn into two identical threads? Can a mod merge them?

Thanks for your reply. I didn't have an incubator last year so I didn't have this decision, they were on a heating lad for the few days before hatch so I got to talk to them the whole time. So I know just what you mean!

 

[Megan Amber]

It's a lot of fun!! Best of luck to you and your duckies!

 

[carcar80]

Oh he's photogenic.

He just seemed so lonely with all that styrofoam and eggs so I went ahead and moved him. He's MUCH happier with something snuggly. He's wore out!
Thanks for the reassurance. I've covered the brooder partially to block any draft, and he's staying snuggled. I feel like he'll be just fine.

 

[Megan Amber]

Oh My Gosh!!! That is one super cute duck!!! I am sure he'll be fine to!!!

 

[carcar80]

So.. Is it normal for nobody else to be even pipped yet? Two I set a day late so those I expected to be behind. But the others should be on the same schedule as this darling. Everyone has internally pipped

 

[Megan Amber]

So far yes that's pretty normal. Sometimes mine are up to three days late.

 

[carcar80]

Thank you SO much :whew: This is more stressful than I remember! LOL!

I turned off the radio and cracked the bator for a quick listen. Lots of peeping and pecking so I feel much better. They were rocking all morning and had stopped so that was one reason I was nervous. Ugh!

 

[Megan Amber]

Hatching is nerve-racking no matter how many times you do it!