call duck eggs. *UPDATE* New pic last post

[Skittlez]

I put an updated picture of my air cells on page 1. I hope I am still on track. No internal pip yet, but I do see a lot of movement and shadows. I sure hope these make it to hatch.

 

[Skittlez]

How long from internal pip to external pip on call ducks. The eggs have been internally pipped for 24 hours but no external pips. Is this normal? How long untill I should worry and maybe start to open the egg?

 

[easttxchick]

I'd go in after them at this point-that's about max time I would allow.

 

[Ceinwyn]

I'd put a tiny hole into the top of the blunt end to allow air and then watch for movement and listen.
Use a small drill bit, this will allow air in for them but not enough to dry them out.
Keep that humidity high.

 

[Skittlez]

Thank you. I have a pin hole in the air cell, did that last night. I am having problems keeping the humidity up. It wants to stay around 55%. I know this is too low, but I can't seem to bring it up. I have a sponge, washcloth, and a tub of water in addition to the regular water wells full. GRRRRR. They are still peeping occasionally, one egg rocks and rolls occaisionally, but no external pip yet. Should I still go in and open the top?

 

[easttxchick]

Quote:
Have you ever helped a Call hatch? LAZY hatchers!
They'll lay there and die if they get tired. I've had one Call hatch this season that I didn't have to hatch.

 

[Ceinwyn]

When you think your ready to hope in to assist them this guide has a really good step by step process to help you.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=491013

Good luck.

 

[Skittlez]

This is my first with calls. I had 2 broodies and they were killed by the fox. These are the surviving eggs. I just didn't want to open them too soon. I am going to try opening them a little and see how it goes. I have been told they are hard and lazy to hatch. I just didn't want to kill them after I have been trying to save them.

 

[easttxchick]

Quote:
Make a small hole in the shell and like the other poster said, GET THAT HUMIDITY UP. Put as much stuff in there as you have to to get it up to 73%. I'd give it a few hours to see if it's going to do anything(bet it won't) and then I'd pull the head and the wing out.

 

[Skittlez]

I opened up the tops, the internal membrane was too dry. Beaks are now exposed, but there was still quite a bit of blood in the veins, so I did not pull the beak or wing out. I wrapped each egg in a wet paper towel and put them back in the bator. I checked the ones under the broody that were still a few days behind and one had externally pipped, but on the wrong end. I exposed that beak also. WHEW!

You guys answered so fast, you all ROCK!!! I added more water and another sponge. Humidity is around 71%, but it will only stay that way for about 20 min. So, I will keep reheating the water more often.

I will update when they are out and dry.

Once again Thank you!!