Duckling struggling?

[mainersperry]

Ducklings are hatching! Yesterday early morning the first duckling externally pipped. It is now 36 hours in and no progress, any thoughts? I’ve had good results helping the in the past, but don’t want to it it’s not needed. The other eggs have externally pipped now too, so I don’t want to shrink wrap them by grabbing out this first egg. Attached a picture! Also, two of the eggs (including the one I’m talking about) are hatching on the small end?

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

I'd also be concerned at 36 hours with no progress, and would try to get a better look at what's going on in there (to determine if assistance is needed and if the duckling is ready for it). If you haven't already read it, this Guide to Assisted Hatching for All Poultry is a great resource. It also has a section that covers eggs pipping at the wrong end.

Duck eggs have tough membranes, so I would start by gently pushing back a little membrane (stop if you see blood); the duckling may be malpositioned, shrinkwrapped, etc. Opening the incubator and quickly taking out the subject egg shouldn't cause shrinkwrapping, and you can mist a little warm water in there (try not to get it directly on the other eggs) to keep the humidity up.

Wishing you the best of luck!

 

[mainersperry]

Thank you!!

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Thank you!!

You're most welcome. How's your hatch going today?

 

[mainersperry]

You're most welcome. How's your hatch going today?

It’s going okay! 4 out and 2 externally pipped. 1 of the 4 isn’t looking too good, but the rest are. Hoping the one that isn’t will turn around!

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

It’s going okay! 4 out and 2 externally pipped. 1 of the 4 isn’t looking too good, but the rest are. Hoping the one that isn’t will turn around!

 

[AquaDuck]

You might have to help the ones that's pipped in the small end. The space inside the egg can get too cramped for the duckling to move around for zipping. Just so you're aware when that time comes. If it's been pecking at the same area for a long time, you can help it by breaking away pieces of the shell and membrane. But don't help until you know it's ready to come out!
Good luck!