TXChookstead
Songster
Incubating 12 Welsh Harlequins. Eight hours into day 27 (wee hours of Saturday morning) our first one pipped, and hatched out yesterday (Sunday) at probably around 12 pm (at least 18 hours between external pip and hatch). He was having too much fun playing egg soccer, so we finally removed him to the brooder as the others were way behind. Six more pipped externally yesterday (between noon and 7:00 pm, late day 28), but they haven't zipped yet. I'm hoping they hurry up, because we are having to babysit a very lonely, rambuctious duckling in the meantime. Goodness, he is vocal! 
Most concerned about 5 more than have not externally pipped (it's now halfway through day 29), and wondering about safety holes. Don't know if they have internally pipped or not. For background, the eggs were shipped, and some had detatched air cells on arrival. They have been through a bit -- but all stabilized by lockdown and I laid them flat with the large cell areas up. All that made it to lockdown were developed and moving.
I realize we're only at an extra 1/2 - 3/4 day, and that ducks are slower than chicks. When should I be concerned about these 5 enough to do something? I know it may be necessary to assist. Do you only make a safety hole AFTER an internal pip? In order to check if there is an internal pip, do you quickly remove the egg from the incubator and candle it? I know that puts others that have already pipped at risk....
Ducks are slower, and that's OK. I'm just finding it challenging to know when I ought to sit tight and when help may be needed.
Thanks so much for any wisdom and advice!
Most concerned about 5 more than have not externally pipped (it's now halfway through day 29), and wondering about safety holes. Don't know if they have internally pipped or not. For background, the eggs were shipped, and some had detatched air cells on arrival. They have been through a bit -- but all stabilized by lockdown and I laid them flat with the large cell areas up. All that made it to lockdown were developed and moving.
I realize we're only at an extra 1/2 - 3/4 day, and that ducks are slower than chicks. When should I be concerned about these 5 enough to do something? I know it may be necessary to assist. Do you only make a safety hole AFTER an internal pip? In order to check if there is an internal pip, do you quickly remove the egg from the incubator and candle it? I know that puts others that have already pipped at risk....
Ducks are slower, and that's OK. I'm just finding it challenging to know when I ought to sit tight and when help may be needed.
Thanks so much for any wisdom and advice!
