Day 29 Duck Eggs - Help!

[mccombs]

The pink bit, is that the internal membrane? Do I need to leave that bit alone?

 

[carcar80]

Oh boy.. This is reminding me of my last-hatched last weekend. You really need to leave it in the bator. TRUST me, I KNOW how hard it is!! But every time you take it out it's drying at a very fast rate. The membrane probably is a bit dry, hence rubbery. Others may chime in too but what I personally would do, before you leave, get a nice thick, heavy washcloth. Soak it with warm water, wringing it just until it's dripping a little in your hands. Make a little "nest" for the egg in your bator, shut it and leave it shut! See what happens while you are away. Sounds like it's too early to safely assist to me, but honestly sounds like you'll end up having to. But not yet!! Humidify, humidify, humidify!!!

Just my two cents. As I always say, I'm no expert by any means but it is what it is, my opinion.

How many other eggs?

 

[carcar80]

You could also maybe take some warm water on the tip of your (clean) finger and moisten what membrane you can access. Right before putting it in the bator like we've talked about and not touching it, of course.

 

[carcar80]

To keep "helping" by chipping away at the pip, actually can end up the opposite of helping. Trust me..

K I'm done posting now.

 

[mccombs]

Okay I've done as you suggested - when should I check again? Will he be okay when I go to work?
I can't see through the window, so have to open the top to see what's happening. I'll leave him to it! Thank you!

 

[biblehugger]

I must follow this post lol can't wait to see what happens! Good luck

 

[mccombs]

No change in 3 hours. I've got to go to work soon. I'm completely terrified, and all on my own, I have no idea what I'm doing and I'm so scared I'm going to lose this baby.

 

[carcar80]

Is he still peeping/moving?

 

[carcar80]

As long as he's moving or making noise (remember the rest periods) I would leave him. The point I finally helped mine (for example) was when he had his beak and one full leg stuck thru the big pip and he was frantic trying to hatch. Not saying yours will do that, just giving an example.

Of course, I had Miss Lydia and pogmobum talking me off a ledge the entire time too. LOL.

But as long as he's making noise he is fine. He's likely still absorbing the yolk. Did you know (I didn't) that ducklings can live off the absorbed yolk for the first 72 hours after hatch? At least least that's what I read and it made me feel much better. (((hugs)))

 

[mccombs]

He's moving a little and making noise when I go in, but not as much. He's made absolutely no progress, is he likely to at this stage?
Can you answer my question about the membranes? How do I know what is inner and what is outer, and what is safe to remove? Am at work for 8 hours now, worrying the whole time!