Duck eggs air cell way too small! Help please

[Doulos]

Most of the eggs are coming along nicely, but a few still have tiny air sacs, like what it should be between day 7 and 10. I have been running it dry at 35% humidity and misting twice a day. Anything else I can do? I can try some rice to being the humidity down a bit more. If their air sacs don't grow anymore, are they doomed? Is there anything to do during hatch to make it easier? I read someone else had recommended using cut down egg cartons and hatching upright, that it's easier for those with small air sacs. Thoughts?

 

[Ravynscroft]

I've not had good results hatching ducks upright... I prefer to lay them down with maybe a slight tilt of the bigger end just a bit higher if I'm worried about too much moisture in the egg... they may hatch fine, but I'd watch them for being gooey sticky and needing assistance at hatch...

 

[Doulos]

How long does it take from external pip to hatch? I had 1/10 hatch today (day 27), and two more pipped around 9:00 this morning, but it's now 9:00 pm, and no sign of zipping. Tomorrow is day 28.

 

[Chaos18]

I've had them take anywhere from about 44 hrs to 60 hrs.

 

[Ravynscroft]

I've had them take anywhere from about 44 hrs to 60 hrs.

X2

Minimum 24 hrs from internal pip to external pip and another 24hrs from external pip to zip... they LOVE to take their sweet time, lol...

 

[Doulos]

Well, I'm concerned with what to do about the little go-getter that was born today. If the others take a long time, he will be in there by himself. They can go a day or two without water or food, right?

 

[Chaos18]

Yes. If you do out it in the brooder by itself give it a mirror and/or stuffed animal for company.

 

[Ravynscroft]

They can, but I prefer getting them into the brooder with food and water right away... if you feel comfortable doing it, you can quickly slip your hand in and scoop him out...

 

[Doulos]

Okay, he hatched around noon, so would it be alright to wait until the morning to see if any of his siblings join him? He's been entertaining himself pecking at spots and shadows.

I think it's a boy: dark bill on a Welsh Harlequin.

 

[Ravynscroft]

Yes, he should be just fine...

What line of WH's? Only some of the lines are sexable by bill color, just fyi...