First time hatch and need advice...

[gimmie birdies]

if you help they have leg problems.

put flour on the navel if it is too moist. congrats!

 

[WalnutHill]

if you help they have leg problems.

This is not necessarily so. Some that need assistance have leg issues, but not all that are assisted have egg issues.

I've incubated hundreds of eggs this year, hatched many dozens, and had none with leg or foot issues despite assisting about half of the turkeys.

 

[gimmie birdies]

the pushing off the shell does help the legs get strong though.

 

[Mothersclucker]

This is not necessarily so. Some that need assistance have leg issues, but not all that are assisted have egg issues.

I've incubated hundreds of eggs this year, hatched many dozens, and had none with leg or foot issues despite assisting about half of the turkeys.

I just wanted to let you know that all 8 of my eggs hatched and all are doing great! I did break down and help the one late, late last night. He had struggled for well over 12 hours. What I discovered when I did help was that he was coming out the small end of the egg. His body was so contorted in the shell that he couldn't push. At first I just chipped away at the shell and used a Q-tip with warm water and wet the membrane to make it easier for him to tear through. After continued struggle...I helped him to hatch out at 3 AM. He was very tired and I'm sure very glad to be out. He is doing just as well as the others. Walking, eating and drinking. I am so very glad I helped him...otherwise he would have not made it. Thank you so much for the advice. I just wanted to let you know that the hatch was a success and all my ducklings are active, healthy and beautiful!

 

[WalnutHill]

Congratulations!