Duck Egg Day 31- I feared the worst...

[knah24]

I thought the ducklings were dead in the shell... Its day 31. No movement. No sound. I cracked the shell and it was still alive!!! Not anymore because I killed it! HELP??? There was quite a sizeable yolk... I have 15 more.
I cracked open 3. One was yellow foam (super rotten). The second was kind of a bloody mess. But this 3rd was alive...

I am so sad and worried. I guess I should just wait it out. I can not believe I killed it. Any suggestions??? To the best of knowledge the temperature and humidity are ok. They are Indian Runners.

Thanks... I need some Duck Lover Support!!!

 

[ChickieBooBoo]

Before cracking them open I usually candle just to make sure.

 

[knah24]

I did candle it. It looked like liquid just rolling back and forth into the air sac. I CANT believe I made this mistake. But everything reads like eggs don't hatch this late!
AAARrgH

 

[knah24]

Day 32... Late hatch?? My fingers are still crossed. I see beaks in the air sacs. I hope they are strong enough to get out. I couldn't help but candle again today, fearing the worst. But now the humidity might be off???? Aargh. Everything I read states against a late hatch. Assisting seems ill advised as well.... I don't want them to die if I can help.
Suggestions???

 

[BigDaddy'sGurl]

Research how to float test. And so long as the eggs have not externally pipped, you won't hurt the humidity if you candle...but make sure none have externally pipped before you float test!!!

 

[curious1969]

If you are seeing beaks when you candle then you still have hope for a hatch. I have found ducks to be strong little beggars....Best of luck

 

[Melissa Rose]

look for posts from Pete55 they contain lots of help in all sorts of different areas!!!

 

[duckyfromoz]

What temperature have you been running the incubator at? If it was low- it can explain why reason why thy may be late hatching. I find my Runners are usually just a touch early- not counting the occasional impatient speedy one I get hatching a full day before any others- mine are averaging about 12 hours under the 28 day mark.

Dont keep beating yourself up over the one that you lost. Had you not opened that egg- you may have just gone ahead and tossed the lot killing all the other which would have been a lot worse. We can all learn from mistakes in life the main thing now is making sure that those left have the best chance.

Having opened the incubator you may have effected the humidity, but dont stress too much over it- its most important when they have actually broken through the shell. The membranes can dry out quickly them without enough humidity. By the time they start to crack the shells- your humidity should be back up to where it should be. Having said that though- you may also need to give some assistance to these guys.

Best wishes to you for success with the eggs left.

 

[knah24]

Thanks everyone. I never knew how much supportive words can help! Day 32 I have 2 eggs with external pips. Tiny little holes with not much progress. I am going to wait a complete 24 hours... after that I may start to get their beaks out into the open.

I really appreciate the support.

 

[AngelV]

Hope everything works out!! let us know