Advice please - runner duck eggs pipping on day 19

[ejctm]

Not yet but nearly!

Two have pipped a hole right through and I can see the babies inside looking out and have said hello to them! One of these has the crack from before but at the other end (the thin end) - the crack must have been made by the hen standing on them or the eggs knocking together or something, unless the duckling was round the other way at the time. Anyway, all is looking well.

The other two are tapping and peeping.

The quiet two are still quiet and no signs of life yet.

Poor Bene, she was so thirsty today she drank water from my hand like she was in the Sahara! Put some tasty mealworms and strawberries next to her and she gobbled them up. Didn't want to lift her off the nest today for her usual exercise break in case it is critical time for the eggs, and I don't think she got off the nest herself during the day. Hopefully tomorrow, she will have a healthy brood and can relax for a bit.

 

[ejctm]

NEWS UPDATE!

Out of 6 eggs, 2 hatched last night, and 2 hatched during the day today, bang on time. Now the eggs are broken open, I can see that the pipped point on the cracked ones is on the outside of the shell only and on the inside it is covered by a thick blood vessel at the same point. If the duckling had made the pip, then it would have bled inside the shell. Have to put that one down to clumsy hen.

The 2 silent eggs were actually sloshing around inside today, so they went in the bin.

trying to post pics here https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=4448571#p4448571

 

[teresa-78]

omg thats great congratulations

go to your uploads and copy and past the image address on to your post it should work then...

oh cant wait to see pics

 

[ejctm]

try the link again - I got the pics to upload by using photobucket

 

[Suzie]

Fantastic news! I have been following this story and hoping you would have success and here you are - give my regards to England - I don't miss living there as my life here in France is great for my chickens, ducks, geese, goats, GSD's and horses - we have a water mill and lots of land for my babies to roam around on - our Indian Runner chicks took their first swim today with their Mum - would post some pics but every time I try to download it tells me I can't - frustrating! Congratulations, enjoy your babies!!!

 

[ejctm]

Thanks Suzie

It sounds lovely where you live - is there anything you miss about old Blighty?

 

[Suzie]

The only things I miss are Cadbury's Fruit and Nut Chocolate, Canadian Cheddar Cheese and last but not least my friends! I could never have afforded this life in England - so no regrets for me - the weather is soooo hot here too - 35 degrees today - phew! Think I might join my Indian Runner babies in the Mill Pond! Just saw your pics on your later posting - amazing looking ducklings - such lovely colours too!

 

[ejctm]

Thanks Suzie,

Sounds like a great life there, plus you're not far to come back for visits!

Try this for a quick fix! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/5-x-CADBURY-D...em&pt=UK_Sweets_Chocolate&hash=item4aa2081e75