Ducklings hatching. Help!

[Quacking ducks]

One duckling is trying to hatch I think... but it’s not chirping yet. I think it might have gotten step on by the mother duck and not actually ready to hatch. What do I do? Do I help it out or just leave it in the nest?

 

[nchls school]

If no other ducklings have hatched it is too soon to assist. If you have an incubator put this egg in it as it's likely to become more damaged under the weight of the duck. If other ducklings have hatched, remove just enough of the rounded end and membrane for the duckling to free itself of the shell when it is time. It is best to let the duckling free itself of the shell. Should you break it out the yolk sack may not have been completely absorbed. Most die if the yolk has not been absorbed.

When assisting a hatch, the presence of plump veins with a lot of blood on the membrane means it is too soon to assist-wait.

 

[nchls school]

Should you have to return the egg to the duck, place it towards her back end and not under her breast where more damage to the shell is likely.