Duckling hatching - in lockdown

[Kiki]

This hatching business gets better trust me.

I think I stayed up 48 hours straight my first hatch.

I sleep like a baby right through it now... Well not really but it is much easier.

 

[WVduckchick]

@WVduckchick sorry tried to tag you in above post but spelt it wrong - sorry!!

I agree with Kiki, they all look fine! Yes a couple look a little behind, did you set those a day later? I wouldn’t be concerned though, they don’t always develop at exactly the same rate. Lookin good!

And yes, the one that already pipped could have pipped internally and externally at the same time. He might just be the anxious beaver.

 

[LucyDuck]

This hatching business gets better trust me.

I think I stayed up 48 hours straight my first hatch.

I sleep like a baby right through it now... Well not really but it is much easier.

Haha I think my husband is going to be like hat! He's already working from home tomorrow so he can watch them all day sadly I'm not sure my work would appreciate that though

Think I'm just anxious that we don't do anything wrong for the baby ducks. It's not their fault they've got novice hatchers looking after them!!

 

[LucyDuck]

I agree with Kiki, they all look fine! Yes a couple look a little behind, did you set those a day later? I wouldn’t be concerned though, they don’t always develop at exactly the same rate. Lookin good!

And yes, the one that already pipped could have pipped internally and externally at the same time. He might just be the anxious beaver.

Thank you!! We got them from a farmer who had already set them so I wonder if some were set a day or two later. Anyway I'll use all my will power to be patient and see what happens... Kids are super excited (as are we!!). Fingers crossed for a healthy duckling weekend!

 

[LucyDuck]

Hi, sorry @WVduckchick @Texas Kiki I've got some more questions!!

2 eggs now have cracks in outer egg but not a proper hole right through to the outside (does that make sense?). Does the 48 hour countdown start from when there is an actual visible hole or when there is a crack?

And can the air sac get too big? This egg seems to be getting a larger air sac today than yesterday (not much space for duckling!!) but can see some movements behind membrane.

Thank you!!

 

[Kiki]

Crack counts.
Start counting now and yes the air sac is going to continue to get bigger and it is perfectly ok/normal at this time.

 

[Kiki]

It will start making that first crack area into a hole then stop. Then it will probably start making another crack/hole in a different spot before it starts to zip.


You still have plenty of waiting time.
Go shopping.
Take a long nap.
You won't miss anything, I promise.

 

[LucyDuck]

Crack counts.
Start counting now and yes the air sac is going to continue to get bigger and it is perfectly ok/normal at this time.

Phew thank you! I just couldn't understand how the duckling was getting smaller and smaller as the air sac increased

 

[WVduckchick]

 

[LucyDuck]

I'm in the UK so going to bed now... 2 eggs have quite a few cracks in but no zipping yet. One other egg looks hopeful for internal pipping soon. Other 3 eggs don't look great sadly...

Eek fingers crossed for some ducklings tomorrow!!!