What's your humidity? It could be a little dry. If the membrane has dried it will most likely need to be helped out. I've noticed what you describe on the wrong-enders I've had as well. It could be that because they open their shell earlier than the others, that they have a longer period where the membrane can dry out. Nothing to do about it really. Any assistance before it's ready to get out will only harm it. The brown/yellow and the bruise is waste products and isn't dangerous as long as the chick's beak is exposed and it can breathe properly. I always keep a close eye on duck wrong-enders as they often need help to rotate and open the shell properly. Wait til it starts zipping, then you can intervene and help it complete its mission.I tilted it a little and noticed that the membrane was very brown and dry, so I peeled a bit back so that the ducklings beak is exposed, but it started making yawning motions so I placed it back in the incubator.
The part that I peeled off had dried dark crusts on it (if that makes sense). Also if it helps, the egg had a bruise on it and that’s where it made it’s first pip, so not sure if the bruise is what caused the dry things on the membrane.( as I was reading about assisted hatching and the bruising that occurs on call ducks looks very similar to this - my duckling is a pekin
Not sure if I’m going to have to do a full assist :/
Sorry for the load of information, but this is my first time and I’m really appreciative of the help and advice![]()