Finally an external pip

[davekrista]

 

[duckyfromoz]

Gorgeous!!! Is that a little crest on the middle one?? Or is it just how it has fluffed up?

 

[davekrista]

Quote:
I think it might just be how it is fluffed up, not positive though

 

[katharinad]

It does look like a crest to me. They are so cute.

I was also hoping to see a picture from Mrs.Duck.

I'm such a sucker for babies. This made me look outside the office window across the parking lot and there they are roaming around. Gotta love them regardless of age.

 

[desertdarlene]

Awww, those are cute! I'm pulling for your other two little babies!

 

[duckyfromoz]

Davekrista - If it is a little crest on that duckling it could explain why not many eggs made it. Crested duck eggs have a lower rate chance of making it to term because of the hole in the skull. If only one parent was carrying the gene - it can be passed on to offspring- but if both parents carry it- you can expect a large number not to hatch due to duckling who inherit the gene from both parents not being able to survive.

The second and third paragraph on this link will tell you more about crested ducks.

http://www.domestic-waterfowl.co.uk/crested.htm

 

[davekrista]

This is one of the 2 eggs that I had to help. Just about out, but eyes are still closed and wet. I'm hoping it dries nicely. It was nerve racking helping it and trying to not have it bleed....

Still having trouble with this last egg. Can't find the beak but every once in a while you can see it breathing. I don't know how else to help it. The air sack went the length of the egg. Plus I think it might be backwards.

 

[katharinad]

You are doing the best you can. The one on its back almost out of the egg can use a nice break and rest. Try to have it lay on the side. It helps them a lot, and I think it will be out soon. It is exhausted. No more thread of shrink wrapping and you do not need to remove anymore of the egg. It may need to stay longer in the incubator after it has made it out. I usually leave them in until they can stand up. It helps when you give them some electrolyte water.

I hope the 4th one will make it. The best you can do here is try to get the membrane sliced long ways. It should be able to press the rest away once it is ready. It is breathing so that is the good news.

 

[davekrista]

Quote:
I was able to help #5 out as well. BUT............................... I don't know what to do or what to think. It has this ball thing between its legs and that is stuck real bad to the shell. It is breathing but not really moving. The #4 duck is peeping and breathing but barely moving, I peeked in the shell because it hasn't kicked it off yet and it has something too but not as big. I will give both some electrolyte water

 

[katharinad]

It's the yolk they are still working on it. Just leave them in the incubator, and bet they will be up and running tomorrow. They sleep most of the time while absorbing.