ducks pipping

[holsdad]

My ducks are due tomorrow, have noticed a bit pipping external but they haven't broken through, is this normal are they having a rest maybe?

 

[MGG]

My ducks are due tomorrow, have noticed a bit pipping external but they haven't broken through, is this normal are they having a rest maybe?

Well if they're externally pipped they have technically broken through.
There doesn't need to be a visible hole, the way they pip helps preserve humidity inside the shell, which is good. Just let them be, ducks take forever to hatch but always do a good job and rarely need assistance.

 

[holsdad]

Are great thanks, I thought they would need the air maybe, looks like a little mound

 

[MerryFeather]

Mine took 48 hours from first tiny external pip to hatch. After the first pip it took over 24 hours to see any progress and that was just a second pip on the same egg. The zip didn't happen until shortly before hatch.

 

[holsdad]

Are ok, that's good to know, I thought they needed to punch through for air.

 

[holsdad]

Humidity is reaching 73 usually 65-70 is this ok?

 

[holsdad]

4 have hatched and look fine, 1 egg left not too sure it has pipped but no signs of movement, could anyone say when do drakes start getting interested in the girls, at what age?

thanks very much.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

4 have hatched and look fine, 1 egg left not too sure it has pipped but no signs of movement, could anyone say when do drakes start getting interested in the girls, at what age?

thanks very much.

Drake interest depends on the individual duck, but usually between 4-6 months is when they start to notice the ladies. I've also noticed that the more horny drake's tended to show interest the earliest and the more docile tend to be around the 6+ month mark (at least that has been my observation over the years).

 

[holsdad]

Brilliant, thanks very much.

 

[holsdad]

I have one baby duck that seems more interested in biting the other's feet is this normal behaviour, thanks.