Okay, here's what happened: all the ducks had internally pipped. Not long after that they each made one small pip, then 24 hours had passed by with no progress. I started thinking that something was wrong, so I helped one out. 12 hours later... still not any progress from the original pips. So, I helped a second one out. Both of those were weak and really it was too soon for them to have been removed. So, I thought okay I'm going to just let things alone. This morning when I woke up, none had hatch but an hour later one had hatched, then within 30 minutes two more had hatch, and then an hour or so later another had hatch. So by the time I had left work, 6 had hatch and the other 3 were working on it. It seems that they all made one small pip, rested, then got a second wind this morning for the zip. I actually regret that I helped the first two... they didnt need my help. And they are weaker than the other, but I think they will make. I'm not an advocate of helping birds hatch. In fact, I've never done it before. But I got worried and wanted to see what is going on. The four that hatched themselves are very energetic and healthy.