First time hatch and need advice...

[Mothersclucker]

So as I said this is my first time hatching. I read and re-read threads about the process and know that I'm just being overly nervous since this is my first time. My question is...when I got up yesterday morning the eggs were all still as they had been. Hubby and I went to the grocery store and when we came back 3 of the 8 eggs pipped. This was at day 26 around 11:00 AM. Over that time until now all but 1 have pipped and 3 have zipped but nothing has come yet. I realize that mallards take 28 days but how long after pipping should they zip and how long after zipping until I need to worry? For the first 3 that pipped yesterday it's already been 24 hours. I don't want to open the bator and some still seem to be active just don't know if they are struggling or resting. I don't hear any peeps like some have posted they do. I think I just need some veteran advice and perhaps just reassurance. Thanks to anyone that can offer an ear and a few words to help me get through this most nervous period.

 

[gimmie birdies]

The ones that pipped early were probably more developed when placed in the incubator than the others, so just assume the other eggs will hatch on the normal day.

 

[Mothersclucker]

Thank you! First one hatched just moments ago. He's really tired and just sleeping right now. My next question is there membrane/afterbirth left in the shell when they hatch? It's my first time and I can't find anything about what's in the shell after they hatch.

 

[WalnutHill]

Yes, part of the membrane will be left behind. No need to worry, it will dry in the shell as the ducklings are drying and is simply discarded.

 

[Mothersclucker]

Thank you! We are so excited and another has poked through and is peeping so I expect later tonight we will have another hatch. Being my first time hatching I just want to make sure that I do everything right and not put my little ducklings in any danger.

 

[Mothersclucker]

My very first hatch! Another is on the way. We are very excited.

 

[WalnutHill]

Yay! Membranes look a bit brown (dry). What is your hatching humidity at?

 

[Mothersclucker]

Unfortunately I'm not sure. We didn't have a humidity reader when we started but I kept the water in the big channel up and when hatch came I added a second but that was 2 days ago when I locked it down. I've been adding water through a straw and filled the center reservoir but is it too late? Can I open the top long enough to put a bowl of water inside or is it past that point? Another is currently in the process of hatching but there are 6 more eggs inside. All have piped but a few haven't done much past that first or second pip.

 

[WalnutHill]

I am not well versed on duck hatching, but I believe ducks need more humidity leading up to and during hatch than turkeys, for instance.

 

[Mothersclucker]

Well we are up to 4 hatched out of 8. One is struggling and I added warm water and the humidity went up a good bit. The following ducks membranes looked a lot better. I'm not sure whether to help the one struggling or not. He's broken through the shell/membrane and puts his beak out but doesn't seem to have the strength to push through. Was going to wait until tomorrow and decide whether to help him a long.

Thank you so much for all your help. I really appreciate it!