Ducklings dying in shell -- PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HELP

[StarCreekFarm]

There are only five eggs remaining that I thought might be viable. The duckling was under the hen, so I'd guess crushed It would have been a second female. I expect I've lost more than a dozen in total. I need a sad duckling emoji.

On a positive note the other four look very robust and one hen is caring for those while the other sits on the nest. So that's super positive.

So many thanks for all your great guidance.

 

[StarCreekFarm]

I always have such great fortune ! Another boy duckling arrived last night, is staying with the hen who is still tending the nest. She took him for a drink at the waterer inside the brooder house, and otherwise they have been staying in the nest and it appears he has been fine throughout the day today. The "old" ducklings had their first foray with the other hen into the brooder house's private yard today.

 

[Pyxis]

I'm glad they're doing well! How many other eggs do you expect to hatch, or do you think that will be it?

 

[StarCreekFarm]

There may be three others that will hatch. I'm keeping a VERY close eye on the hen that is sitting on the nest and if she abandons the eggs, I will candle them to confirm and put any remaining viable in the incubator. The two hens are being AMAZING moms, completely working together to care for both the nest and the ducklings.

I also determined how at least one of the non-brooding hens got into the brooder space to keep depositing eggs, so hopefully this won't happen again.

 

[StarCreekFarm]

More great news: Two more hatched since yesterday. Only one egg remaining. Everyone is still well. I can't thank you enough for your great guidance and support !