Ducklings unable to hatch

[Aeasley232]

Hello! I am on my second clutch of duckling this year to hatch out from a broody hen. The first batch wad a disaster, poor babies all but one lived and on further inspection they were all fully formed but couldn't break through the membrane. Momma duck had access at all time to water and feed. Now i have a second duck and i just took her first duckling to run to hatch out and it is hatchibg the same problem (except im able to intervene) I'm slowing helping it hatch i have it on a moist washcloth and a heat lamp on it.

How to i make sure this won't keep happening? I have 3 broody hens!!

 

[rIrs roost]

I'm not understanding. Are you almost through hatching them in an incubator then carrying the egg out to the broodies?

 

[chickens really]

Are you sure it would not hatch on its own with Momma?...Are you in a high humidity area?...Not really sure what could be going on unless you kept touching the eggs during the last couple of days?...Momma sits and keeps humidity correct till they hatch...

 

[Aeasley232]

I don't disturb or touch the eggs at all. Momma duck is in an enclosure with fresh water and food. I'm worried that like last time, i will only have a small succes on hatching and find lots of fully formed ducklings who tried to hatch but had the dried membrane incasing them still. I live in the pnw where there isn't much humidity.

 

[chickens really]

Was the other time her first time hatching?...This time she might do great...