Another issue. 😢 2 of my Muscovy eggs internally piped on day 30 and still have some veining and fluid!

[AmyA248]

Happy Friday my Friends.

Yes, I have yet ANOTHER problem…

2 of my Muscovy eggs internally piped on the evening of day 29. The hatch time is between 33-38 days I believe.
I candled them and both have some fluid and very slight veining.
As usual it was only their beaks, so I did as I usually do and add a small safety hole and put them in lockdown Wednesday afternoon.
As soon as I added the safety hole both were peeping.
Last night I noticed yellow fluid leaking from the safety hole of one of them. Of course I knew what that meant.
I quickly took out the egg and more fluid seeped out. I candled it and of course the duckling passed away. I don’t know if it drowned, (there wasn’t enough fluid to drown him.) So I can’t figure out what happened.
I opened the egg and he looked perfect, just a bit small.
Obviously I was extremely upset because I’ve had so many problems and am so invested. I wish I knew what happened..
Today, the second egg is still alive.
If you know me, you’ll know that I’ve had to assist with EVERY hatch unless they would have died. These ducklings simply cannot hatch on their own. The one I completely left alone died.

I know I’m not supposed to open the incubator during lockdown, but since I’ve had to assist each time, how will I know?
All my eggs are staggered ages due to my female laying since January 23rd.
I saved as many as I could, but it’s her first time laying, she’s only 10 months old and she never went broody.
So right now I have 4 ducklings at different ages and 6 in the incubator.
The rest either broke because she laid them everywhere, passed away early on, or got to hatch time and passed away.
It’s devastating to all of us and we cannot understand why they are dying.

I’m VERY concerned about the egg I currently have in lockdown. He hasn’t filled the air cell and I believe he just has his head out and possibly another body part.
If they were able to hatch on their own I would not be so nervous, but they just don’t.
How do I proceed with this one?
How will I know if he’s still alive?
Losing another will leave me totally gutted.

Thank you as always. Hugs!

Here are my 4 babies.
I honestly wish everyone understood the importance of toys for chicks and ducklings.
They absolutely LOVE them and it keeps them happy and busy, just like every other baby animal.

 

[Farmgirl283420]

Happy Friday my Friends.

Yes, I have yet ANOTHER problem…

2 of my Muscovy eggs internally piped on the evening of day 29. The hatch time is between 33-38 days I believe.
I candled them and both have some fluid and very slight veining.
As usual it was only their beaks, so I did as I usually do and add a small safety hole and put them in lockdown Wednesday afternoon.
As soon as I added the safety hole both were peeping.
Last night I noticed yellow fluid leaking from the safety hole of one of them. Of course I knew what that meant.
I quickly took out the egg and more fluid seeped out. I candled it and of course the duckling passed away. I don’t know if it drowned, (there wasn’t enough fluid to drown him.) So I can’t figure out what happened.
I opened the egg and he looked perfect, just a bit small.
Obviously I was extremely upset because I’ve had so many problems and am so invested. I wish I knew what happened..
Today, the second egg is still alive.
If you know me, you’ll know that I’ve had to assist with EVERY hatch unless they would have died. These ducklings simply cannot hatch on their own. The one I completely left alone died.

I know I’m not supposed to open the incubator during lockdown, but since I’ve had to assist each time, how will I know?
All my eggs are staggered ages due to my female laying since January 23rd.
I saved as many as I could, but it’s her first time laying, she’s only 10 months old and she never went broody.
So right now I have 4 ducklings at different ages and 6 in the incubator.
The rest either broke because she laid them everywhere, passed away early on, or got to hatch time and passed away.
It’s devastating to all of us and we cannot understand why they are dying.

I’m VERY concerned about the egg I currently have in lockdown. He hasn’t filled the air cell and I believe he just has his head out and possibly another body part.
If they were able to hatch on their own I would not be so nervous, but they just don’t.
How do I proceed with this one?
How will I know if he’s still alive?
Losing another will leave me totally gutted.

Thank you as always. Hugs!

Here are my 4 babies.
I honestly wish everyone understood the importance of toys for chicks and ducklings.
They absolutely LOVE them and it keeps them happy and busy, just like every other baby animal.

Oh no!!! Again? I am not any help when it comes to this because I've never hatched before but I'm heart broken about these poor babies I'm so sorry you lost one I hope this one pulls through your ducklings are adorable so sweet I love all the toys!!! I've only given mine a mirror and some bright colored toy blocks wish I could find as many toys as you the other hard part though is that they're so big it leaves almost no room for toys!!! My outside chcikens have a bench which they love! I had I swing which they hated so I took it down! I hope everything goes well good luck and happy early Easter!

 

[AmyA248]

Oh no!!! Again? I am not any help when it comes to this because I've never hatched before but I'm heart broken about these poor babies I'm so sorry you lost one I hope this one pulls through your ducklings are adorable so sweet I love all the toys!!! I've only given mine a mirror and some bright colored toy blocks wish I could find as many toys as you the other hard part though is that they're so big it leaves almost no room for toys!!! My outside chcikens have a bench which they love! I had I swing which they hated so I took it down! I hope everything goes well good luck and happy early Easter!

Hi!

Happy Easter to you as well!

It’s been so terribly difficult and I’ve studied for HOURS regarding how to incubate and hatch Muscovy’s.
I watch YouTube videos constantly as well.
It’s just so odd that not one has been able to hatch alone. Such a mystery..
I sadly don’t expect this little one to make it unless it stays in its egg long enough to absorb its yolk sac and veins.
It’s so sad.
Thank you for always being so kind.

Hugs,
Amy

 

[BelovedBirds]

Hi!

Happy Easter to you as well!

It’s been so terribly difficult and I’ve studied for HOURS regarding how to incubate and hatch Muscovy’s.
I watch YouTube videos constantly as well.
It’s just so odd that not one has been able to hatch alone. Such a mystery..
I sadly don’t expect this little one to make it unless it stays in its egg long enough to absorb its yolk sac and veins.
It’s so sad.
Thank you for always being so kind.

Hugs,
Amy

There's no mystery. You aren't listening to the advice you've been given every single time. The eggs are not good quality to hatch from. That is why. Your muscovy is not yet laying good quality hatching eggs. That is why you've had issues, this is a common issue, this is why. It isn't a mystery

My advice is going to be quite controversial right now, and it's up to you whether or not you follow the advice. Leave the egg alone, let it do it all on its own, let nature run its course. When you add a safety hole, the amount of time it takes baby to hatch is lengthened. They do not feel the natural rush to pip. If they go over 24 hours without an external pip after a definite internal pip, you can add a safety hole. But it will be a slow hatch and you should let baby try to do it themselves.

if you absolutely cannot leave it to nature- then candle to keep an eye on veins. After 24 hours (24 hours after the safety hole you made), as long as you see no veins, widen the safety hole to the size of a dime (no bigger than that. If you hit a vein, stop the bleed with a paper towel.) moisten any exposed membrane. Monitor chewing/yawning. Once veins are gone and it isn't chewing, let me know and we can take the next step. But do not rush it. Leave it alone to do its thing

 

[BelovedBirds]

Happy Friday my Friends.

Yes, I have yet ANOTHER problem…

2 of my Muscovy eggs internally piped on the evening of day 29. The hatch time is between 33-38 days I believe.
I candled them and both have some fluid and very slight veining.
As usual it was only their beaks, so I did as I usually do and add a small safety hole and put them in lockdown Wednesday afternoon.
As soon as I added the safety hole both were peeping.
Last night I noticed yellow fluid leaking from the safety hole of one of them. Of course I knew what that meant.
I quickly took out the egg and more fluid seeped out. I candled it and of course the duckling passed away. I don’t know if it drowned, (there wasn’t enough fluid to drown him.) So I can’t figure out what happened.
I opened the egg and he looked perfect, just a bit small.
Obviously I was extremely upset because I’ve had so many problems and am so invested. I wish I knew what happened..
Today, the second egg is still alive.
If you know me, you’ll know that I’ve had to assist with EVERY hatch unless they would have died. These ducklings simply cannot hatch on their own. The one I completely left alone died.

I know I’m not supposed to open the incubator during lockdown, but since I’ve had to assist each time, how will I know?
All my eggs are staggered ages due to my female laying since January 23rd.
I saved as many as I could, but it’s her first time laying, she’s only 10 months old and she never went broody.
So right now I have 4 ducklings at different ages and 6 in the incubator.
The rest either broke because she laid them everywhere, passed away early on, or got to hatch time and passed away.
It’s devastating to all of us and we cannot understand why they are dying.

I’m VERY concerned about the egg I currently have in lockdown. He hasn’t filled the air cell and I believe he just has his head out and possibly another body part.
If they were able to hatch on their own I would not be so nervous, but they just don’t.
How do I proceed with this one?
How will I know if he’s still alive?
Losing another will leave me totally gutted.

Thank you as always. Hugs!

Here are my 4 babies.
I honestly wish everyone understood the importance of toys for chicks and ducklings.
They absolutely LOVE them and it keeps them happy and busy, just like every other baby animal.

One other point which really isn't important anyway but still, toys aren't necessary for ducklings. Beneficial, sure, it's good enrichment. But it's not necessary, people aren't doing it wrong if they don't give them toys, everyone uses different methods when brooding. Food, water, companionship, warmth. Those are the necessities

 

[AmyA248]

There's no mystery. You aren't listening to the advice you've been given every single time. The eggs are not good quality to hatch from. That is why. Your muscovy is not yet laying good quality hatching eggs. That is why you've had issues, this is a common issue, this is why. It isn't a mystery

My advice is going to be quite controversial right now, and it's up to you whether or not you follow the advice. Leave the egg alone, let it do it all on its own, let nature run its course. When you add a safety hole, the amount of time it takes baby to hatch is lengthened. They do not feel the natural rush to pip. If they go over 24 hours without an external pip after a definite internal pip, you can add a safety hole. But it will be a slow hatch and you should let baby try to do it themselves.

if you absolutely cannot leave it to nature- then candle to keep an eye on veins. After 24 hours (24 hours after the safety hole you made), as long as you see no veins, widen the safety hole to the size of a dime (no bigger than that. If you hit a vein, stop the bleed with a paper towel.) moisten any exposed membrane. Monitor chewing/yawning. Once veins are gone and it isn't chewing, let me know and we can take the next step. But do not rush it. Leave it alone to do its thing

I’m going to take your advice this time.
I read an article saying exactly what you said.
I appreciate everything that you’ve done to help me, but I can’t stand seeing a baby die.
I did wait the 24 hours before I made the safety hole because no progress was made.
It’s very small. I’m very new to this and I’m not strong like the seasoned professionals.
I’m sure that if I didn’t assist I’d have no babies at all right now.
Because her eggs are poor quality they couldn’t hatch on their own.
I did listen and waited until there was no movement before I assisted and it was always past day 38.
I absolutely know I’ve done many things wrong, and I’m truly sorry. It’s not that I’m not listening to your advice, as I respect your help and kindness so very much.
It’s just been a very difficult venture for me.
I did so much research and tried to prepare myself for the fact that I’d lose most of the babies, but I wasn’t truly prepared I suppose.
I worry, I check on them constantly, keep the humidity and temperature perfect, but none of those things will do any good if the eggs are bad, no matter how hard I tried.
First they piped too late, now too early.
I love my ducks, they all come running over and fight over who’s going to get snuggled first. They get so excited in the morning when my daughter and I go downstairs, they wag their little tails and stand up tall and flap their feathers until they get a cuddle and a chest scratch.

I’m so sorry to have not listened and offended you after all you’ve done to help me. I feel awful to have upset you in any way.

I swear, from now on I’m going to listen to everything that you tell me.
You have taught me so much and so has New Duck Mom. Both of you are just amazing and I thank you with all my heart.
I hope you can forgive me for my stupidity!
I’m absolutely going to leave these next ones alone. But how will I know if the one in lockdown is alive or has passed?
Is it safe to check it in the morning?

Also, do you know what happened to the other one that passed away in lockdown that leaked the yellow fluid and piped early?
He was perfect..

With kindness and apologies,
Amy

 

[BelovedBirds]

I’m going to take your advice this time.
I read an article saying exactly what you said.
I appreciate everything that you’ve done to help me, but I can’t stand seeing a baby die.
I did wait the 24 hours before I made the safety hole because no progress was made.
It’s very small. I’m very new to this and I’m not strong like the seasoned professionals.
I’m sure that if I didn’t assist I’d have no babies at all right now.
Because her eggs are poor quality they couldn’t hatch on their own.
I did listen and waited until there was no movement before I assisted and it was always past day 38.
I absolutely know I’ve done many things wrong, and I’m truly sorry. It’s not that I’m not listening to your advice, as I respect your help and kindness so very much.
It’s just been a very difficult venture for me.
I did so much research and tried to prepare myself for the fact that I’d lose most of the babies, but I wasn’t truly prepared I suppose.
I worry, I check on them constantly, keep the humidity and temperature perfect, but none of those things will do any good if the eggs are bad, no matter how hard I tried.
First they piped too late, now too early.
I love my ducks, they all come running over and fight over who’s going to get snuggled first. They get so excited in the morning when my daughter and I go downstairs, they wag their little tails and stand up tall and flap their feathers until they get a cuddle and a chest scratch.

I’m so sorry to have not listened and offended you after all you’ve done to help me. I feel awful to have upset you in any way.

I swear, from now on I’m going to listen to everything that you tell me.
You have taught me so much and so has New Duck Mom. Both of you are just amazing and I thank you with all my heart.
I hope you can forgive me for my stupidity!
I’m absolutely going to leave these next ones alone. But how will I know if the one in lockdown is alive or has passed?
Is it safe to check it in the morning?

Also, do you know what happened to the other one that passed away in lockdown that leaked the yellow fluid and piped early?
He was perfect..

With kindness and apologies,
Amy

I'm not upset with you Amy, it's just frustrating because we have had to repeat ourselves so much with each thread. I absolutely know that your heart is in the right place, hatching is really tough sometimes.
I expect the baby before asphyxiated, it only takes a really small amount of liquid to cover the nares or mouth and they can choke. It's usually due to humidity being too high

When you candle for veins, see if the baby is moving. Just ensure when you candle, that you don't hold the egg upright. Keep it on its side, the same position as it is in the incubator. Once it has been 24 hours since safety hole, candle checking for veins, also check how baby is positioned so you know he isnt in the way of the safety hole. If there are no veins visible anymore, then open the safety hole to the size of a dime, at which point you can moisten any visible membrane, check for yawning or chewing then put baby back in the incubator and continue waiting. We'll need to wait until veins are fully receded, and there is no yawning or chewing before continuing

 

[AmyA248]

I'm not upset with you Amy, it's just frustrating because we have had to repeat ourselves so much with each thread. I absolutely know that your heart is in the right place, hatching is really tough sometimes.
I expect the baby before asphyxiated, it only takes a really small amount of liquid to cover the nares or mouth and they can choke. It's usually due to humidity being too high

When you candle for veins, see if the baby is moving. Just ensure when you candle, that you don't hold the egg upright. Keep it on its side, the same position as it is in the incubator. Once it has been 24 hours since safety hole, candle checking for veins, also check how baby is positioned so you know he isnt in the way of the safety hole. If there are no veins visible anymore, then open the safety hole to the size of a dime, at which point you can moisten any visible membrane, check for yawning or chewing then put baby back in the incubator and continue waiting. We'll need to wait until veins are fully receded, and there is no yawning or chewing before continuing

Thank you for excepting my apologies.
Good news though! The duckling hatched on its own about 45 minutes ago.
I went out for coffee and came back and he was fully hatched.
I believe when I made the safety hole I may have made a hairline crack and he just pushed out. It happened within 10 minutes.

He/she is small but doing well. No bleeding, no yolk sac.

But for the rest, I won’t ask anyone, just follow your previous directions.
I’m shocked about candling! I always see people standing them up in the light hole. I never knew this, thank you!!

Here he is.

 

[BelovedBirds]

Thank you for excepting my apologies.
Good news though! The duckling hatched on its own about 45 minutes ago.
I went out for coffee and came back and he was fully hatched.
I believe when I made the safety hole I may have made a hairline crack and he just pushed out. It happened within 10 minutes.

He/she is small but doing well. No bleeding, no yolk sac.

But for the rest, I won’t ask anyone, just follow your previous directions.
I’m shocked about candling! I always see people standing them up in the light hole. I never knew this, thank you!!

Here he is.

That's great news! He's adorable

Feel free to post new threads if you're unsure about another situation, or just post again in this thread. We're happy to help, that wasn't what was frustrating, it was just about certain things we've explained a lot, such as why the eggs haven't done well. That's all, there's nothing wrong with asking for help