Duckling Hatch - Help Please

[AutumnMerritt]

Hello all,

I have raised ducks for a few years but never had to hatch any. I have one duck egg that I have made a makeshift incubator for. It should be hatching literally now. Unfortunately I do not have a day count. About 5 days ago two others with it were rolled open and died in coop.. So I took this one home. They looked very close to being ready the ones that passed. (Which is why I am assuming it's ready.) Also the air cell is about 1/3 of the shell. I can see tons of movement and it looks like the duckling is "trying" to break through the membrane? I just can't tell if it has or not. I don't see a blunt beak shape but there is a point at one side of the air cell. I am scared I need to assist with breaking through. It's been 24 hours of "attempting" to break through. Or at least that's what it looks like. I am worried it could be shrink wrapped. I will try and get some photos/vids after work. Any advice thoughts would be greatly appreciated as I am worried sick. I have the temp at around 98/99 and humidity is 60% or more.

THANK YOU! (Please tell me if I need to adjust etc.)

 

[muddyhens]

Every time we have interfered with an egg hatching it has failed. I would wait. I still feel guilty about "helping" and having it result in death of a duckling. It may not make it, but at least it isn't because of anything you've done.

 

[AutumnMerritt]

Every time we have interfered with an egg hatching it has failed. I would wait. I still feel guilty about "helping" and having it result in death of a duckling. It may not make it, but at least it isn't because of anything you've done.

See that's how I feel now. Like a tug-a-war. Help and save it or help and hurt it

 

[chickens really]

Keep waiting and let nature take its course..Best advise I can give..I have hatched hundreds of Ducks and waiting it the only thing you can do...It needs time to pip the external shell and then it's up to 24 hours before they hatch out...

 

[AutumnMerritt]

Keep waiting and let nature take its course..Best advise I can give..I have hatched hundreds of Ducks and waiting it the only thing you can do...It needs time to pip the external shell and then it's up to 24 hours before they hatch out...

Thank you for your input! I will try and put my worried mind to rest <3

 

[AutumnMerritt]

Just an update - Baby ended up internally pipping and has started pipping externally. The shell has cracks but the membrane underneath it hasn't been broke. Trying to keep humidity up and and be patient. He/she is peeping here and there and very active. I will post pictures upon arrival!

 

[WVduckchick]

That's great news!
And if the shell is broken, it's very likely that the membrane is pierced too, although you may not be able to see it. They test our patience for sure!

So this will be a lone duckling when it hatches? Do you have a plan for that?

 

[AutumnMerritt]

I have 7 other ducks. But this will be my first duckling by it's self. I will most likely go to the feed store and grab another so it can bond with another and then join the flock once older. I usually always have 2 or 3 at a time. This one would have had siblings but I don't think mama was ready and that's why she was rolling them out. Until she/he joins the flock I raise them indoors like spoiled babies and then once they start to feather I integrate outside.

 

[AutumnMerritt]

We've arrived!

 

[AutumnMerritt]