Assisting a Squished Duck Egg - Pictures

[casportpony]

This year was a bad year for them. Think I found those two in the same week.

 

[Bookworm0124]

You lost some too?

Yeah. Two of em I was so upset. It's one thing to have early quitters. But to have some so close! It was a rough year for me raising ducklings. I lost three including those two.

 

[casportpony]

Yeah. Two of em I was so upset. It's one thing to have early quitters. But to have some so close! It was a rough year for me raising ducklings. I lost three including those two.

So sorry.

 

[MochaDuck]

Are you suppose to cut with a knife or scissors? Or does it matter? I know that's an odd question

 

[casportpony]

Are you suppose to cut with a knife or scissors? Or does it matter? I know that's an odd question

The cord? Knife, scissors, or small diagonal cutters can be used, just make sure they are clean.

 

[SeaHen]

I’m assisting a duckling to hatch now d/t the shell being crushed. I was moving the hen and her eggs from their precarious nest to safe housing in the barn when she lunged at me and hit the egg in my hand dead on. This was on day 24 of incubation and the damage to the external shell was pretty extensive. I brought this egg inside to the incubator (where there were a few others of the same gestation) and used porous medical paper tape to cover the chipped and broken areas of the shell. As the baby started to pip I began removing the tape in small strips. This morning one other duckling from the same clutch and one chick have hatched and I’m removing bits of shell and membrane from the broken egg as I see there is shrink wrapping. I’m really fighting with myself to let the duckling do the work because I’ve been prematurely interventive in the past and don’t want to rush nature

 

[Miss Lydia]

If the duckling is shrink wrapped it most likely is going to need help. Let’s see if we can get you some experienced help. @WVduckchick @casportpony. @rjohns39

 

[WVduckchick]

View attachment 1860006 View attachment 1860007 I’m assisting a duckling to hatch now d/t the shell being crushed. I was moving the hen and her eggs from their precarious nest to safe housing in the barn when she lunged at me and hit the egg in my hand dead on. This was on day 24 of incubation and the damage to the external shell was pretty extensive. I brought this egg inside to the incubator (where there were a few others of the same gestation) and used porous medical paper tape to cover the chipped and broken areas of the shell. As the baby started to pip I began removing the tape in small strips. This morning one other duckling from the same clutch and one chick have hatched and I’m removing bits of shell and membrane from the broken egg as I see there is shrink wrapping. I’m really fighting with myself to let the duckling do the work because I’ve been prematurely interventive in the past and don’t want to rush nature

I’d suggest putting some coconut oil or Vaseline on any exposed membrane, to keep it moist and pliable, be sure the bill is clear to breathe, and wait for it to start struggling to get out. Just be careful of any active blood vessels and you should be fine.
Good luck!

 

[SeaHen]

QUOTE="If the duckling is shrink wrapped it most likely is going to need help. Let’s see if we can get you some experienced help. @WVduckchick @casportpony. @rjohns39

I’d suggest putting some coconut oil or Vaseline on any exposed membrane, to keep it moist and pliable, be sure the bill is clear to breathe, and wait for it to start struggling to get out. Just be careful of any active blood vessels and you should be fine.
Good luck!

Thank you so much for the for the support and suggestions. I did go ahead and remove the baby from the shell a few minutes ago. I realized in retrospect that it was a bit early but it's doing well!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Of course we need pics when you can!!