Double Yolk Incubation Research Project

[MarlyMonster]

Small update:

Nothing has changed... How frustrating! Went home to check on the babies this morning and the little guy that pipped still hadn’t moved, and none of the other eggs have pipped either... I have a bad feeling about the others

On a happy note though, I helped Gulliver (I know I suck i already named him ) a little and made his hole bigger. There seemed to be some veins there still when I peeled the top membrane away, so I left the bottom one intact to let him rest.

I think I’m in love though... when I was helping he nibbled on my finger

Gonna go back around 1 again to see how he’s doing!

The membrane seemed a little tough, is that normal or is that because of the humidity? Added two more small bowls (no more room left now!) and marbles inside the deeper dishes so I’m hoping it’ll shoot to around 60!

 

[iluvsedward]

I think the inner membrane (it contains the veins) should be more see-through than the one that lines the shell, though without seeing it im not 100% sure if this is what you mean

ETA: Oh goodness i read that wrong lol YES you’re correct low humidity = tough outter membrane

 

[iluvsedward]

This shows the membranes well and what to look for when assisting.

Did you candle at all? You would be able to see if the duckling near the air cell was trying to push through the membrane or if it already had, then you could add a safe hole.

Now would be the time to really look for any bruises. Below is an excellent image of what you’re looking for, though it may not always be that obvious!

All creds to @Pyxis

 

[Redhead Rae]

Just read through the whole thread and I'm following.

 

[MarlyMonster]

I think the inner membrane (it contains the veins) should be more see-through than the one that lines the shell, though without seeing it im not 100% sure if this is what you mean

ETA: Oh goodness i read that wrong lol YES you’re correct low humidity = tough outter membrane

The inner membrane is definitely see through so I’m guessing that’s good!

 

[MarlyMonster]

Just read through the whole thread and I'm following.

Yay thank you for joining us!

 

[MarlyMonster]

This shows the membranes well and what to look for when assisting.
View attachment 1635576


Did you candle at all? You would be able to see if the duckling near the air cell was trying to push through the membrane or if it already had, then you could add a safe hole.

Now would be the time to really look for any bruises. Below is an excellent image of what you’re looking for, though it may not always be that obvious!
View attachment 1635575

All creds to @Pyxis

Wow those pictures are amazing!! Thank you for sharing!! That actually helps a lot. Will look for bruising when I go back this afternoon. Would a peep hole in the air cell be a good idea? Maybe I can poke the membrane with a cotton swab to check for movement to see if anyone is alive?

 

[iluvsedward]

Wow those pictures are amazing!! Thank you for sharing!! That actually helps a lot. Will look for bruising when I go back this afternoon. Would a peep hole in the air cell be a good idea? Maybe I can poke the membrane with a cotton swab to check for movement to see if anyone is alive?

Im not totally sure, i would candle and see what seems to be going on inside, and then if theyre moving i would just make the safe hole. If not maybe investigate further? Maybe someone else will chime in. I dont think it would hurt since you’re going to have to assist most likely anyway. At this stage i think they definitely should have internally piped or at least be trying to.

 

[iluvsedward]

Do you still have #10 in there? How is it doing?

 

[WVduckchick]

Wow those pictures are amazing!! Thank you for sharing!! That actually helps a lot. Will look for bruising when I go back this afternoon. Would a peep hole in the air cell be a good idea? Maybe I can poke the membrane with a cotton swab to check for movement to see if anyone is alive?

The whole article is here - https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/guide-to-assisted-hatching-for-all-poultry.72886/
Definitely worth reading, if you haven't yet.

Im not totally sure, i would candle and see what seems to be going on inside, and then if theyre moving i would just make the safe hole. If not maybe investigate further? Maybe someone else will chime in. I dont think it would hurt since you’re going to have to assist most likely anyway. At this stage i think they definitely should have internally piped or at least be trying to.

That's what I would do also.
And look for drawdown. If the air cells haven't drawn down, then a safe hole wouldn't be necessary yet.