Ducklings about the hatch, help!

[Socc04b]

I'm in Colorado. Luckily, I'm also a stay at home mom since we adopted our teen-age foster son.

 

[WVduckchick]

That's awesome. Hope to see a little ducking today!

 

[Socc04b]

Thanks again for all the input and encouragement. He did get a little bit of a crack made from his original pip down towards end of the egg, but not around the circumference like I've seen in pics of zipping. He hasn't made any more sounds and is still just vibrating the egg slightly when he moves. It has now been 34-35 hours since original pip. Any thoughts?

 

[WVduckchick]

Did you monitor air cell size? I did notice that the pip was close to the end, but that still shouldn't be a problem. He's just squirming into position. Do you mean the latest spot is closer to the fat end or the small end?

 

[Socc04b]

Thanks for quick reply, the crack goes toward the fat end. I did not monitor air cell size . He does have a tiny hole now, and I think I can see his beak. I have the incubator closed in the bathroom so I can raise the temp and humidity in the room, if I need to open up the incubator to get a better view and/or help him

 

[WVduckchick]

As long as you see the egg shake every once in a while, and he has a hole, I'd sit tight. If he starts really zipping the wrong direction, then he may need help. The zip should go counter-clockwise, when looking at the fat end of the egg. They kinda bash around for a bit, getting into good position, and sometimes a weaker part of the shell will crack as they hit it, so don't be too alarmed yet.

And monitoring air cells helps you to know if humidity has been sufficient throughout incubation. Most folks check them at days 7, 14, and 21. If air cells are too small, then humidity is likely too high, and vice versa. And can be adjusted to correct. The egg needs to lose a proper amount of moisture for the proper growth size of the baby. If the baby gets too big, it can't properly negotiate to get out. If the air cell gets too big, and the baby gets cramped, then it also has trouble getting out. Granted, there is a range, so don't worry, but for future hatches, monitoring them is the best way to get proper size.

This chart shows about where they should be along the way.
(sometimes they slope like the pic, sometimes they stay flat... its fine either way)

 

[WVduckchick]

Oh, one other thing... ventilation is important too. Does your incubator have vent plugs? They should be out/open. Especially if the incubator is enclosed in a small room. (its fine there, don't move it, I'm just saying that air exchange is vital)

 

[Socc04b]

Perfect. Thank you. I will monitor the next round!!!! I do have the vents open

 

[Socc04b]

I can see his beak moving now. He is opening and closing it like he's trying to peep, but no sound. Is this still ok?

 

[Ravynscroft]

Yes!

The yawning motions means he's still absorbing yolk... let him take his time and he'll be out when he's ready...

WV covered everything else really well... so I'll just say I can't wait to see him too!