Good old Call Duck thread

[MontanaChickDoc]

As long as the membrane is moist, they should be able to push out themselves if you take off the cap (no rush, maybe last thing tonight if they haven't hatched out). Mine would start wiggling and rolling like crazy when they were ready. Kicking and flailing like "Get me outta here!" It was fun to watch them finally plop out.

 

[StormsnSaugeye]

As long as the membrane is moist, they should be able to push out themselves if you take off the cap (no rush, maybe last thing tonight if they haven't hatched out). Mine would start wiggling and rolling like crazy when they were ready. Kicking and flailing like "Get me outta here!" It was fun to watch them finally plop out.

That's some good advice. It looks as though the saddling might have contributed significantly to the problem. Currently, the air cell on at least one shows signs of being too high, and going down the side. As such, I'm going to hold off on that one until the very end.
I have to say, as adorable as Call ducks are, I'm not a fan of late stage intervention. I'm going to let the others go and see if they hatch naturally. It'll be tough for me, but I think it's important that I also do this fairly. The breeders ebay page indicated show quality Calls, which to me now suggests headache and a painfully low hatch rate.

 

[shawluvsbirds]

As long as the membrane is moist, they should be able to push out themselves if you take off the cap (no rush, maybe last thing tonight if they haven't hatched out). Mine would start wiggling and rolling like crazy when they were ready. Kicking and flailing like "Get me outta here!" It was fun to watch them finally plop out.

Yes that is true, IF the membrane remains moist enough. I've had a very hard time being able to keep them that moist even in high humidity and applying coconut oil periodically. . they still tend to dry up fast it seems.

That's some good advice. It looks as though the saddling might have contributed significantly to the problem. Currently, the air cell on at least one shows signs of being too high, and going down the side. As such, I'm going to hold off on that one until the very end.
I have to say, as adorable as Call ducks are, I'm not a fan of late stage intervention. I'm going to let the others go and see if they hatch naturally. It'll be tough for me, but I think it's important that I also do this fairly. The breeders ebay page indicated show quality Calls, which to me now suggests headache and a painfully low hatch rate.

Dipping down one side of the egg is normal right before hatch, but yours may be dipping more than normal I don't know without seeing. But it should draw draw down on one side. You'll want to have that side facing up if you haven't already done that.

 

[StormsnSaugeye]

Evening update.While veins have drawn down around the edges of the membrane, I'm still seeing them further on back. Such as smal veins way down the side. Plus candling does reveal a big ole red vein somewhere along the side and near the pointed end of the egg. Which I assume is a bit bad because at least one is trying to make his bid for freedom. My mantra so far has been "I've got nothing but time" And besides, technically they aren't due until the morning. Though the absence of external pips on any others except the ones I'm assisting is starting to get worrisome...

 

[shawluvsbirds]

Evening update.While veins have drawn down around the edges of the membrane, I'm still seeing them further on back. Which is a bit bad because at least one is trying to make his bid for freedom. My mantra so far has been "I've got nothing but time" And besides, technically they aren't due until the morning. Though the absence of external pips on any others except the ones I'm assisting is starting to get worrisome...

I'd open them

 

[StormsnSaugeye]

I'd open them

I don't quite understand the emoji. But I'm gonna give it another few hours then gently gently gently begin to remove the membrane, see what the story with the head is, and take a peak. He's still doing the occasional chewing kind of motion, though to me it looks more like opening and shutting his mouth. There are red veins still further on back around the membrane on the others.

 

[WVduckchick]

Remember, there will be a few inactive blood vessels left behind. Small ones, of course, but some. So don’t panic over a few tiny ones.

Definitely a lot more patient than Shaw and I.

 

[StormsnSaugeye]

Remember, there will be a few inactive blood vessels left behind. Small ones, of course, but some. So don’t panic over a few tiny ones.

Definitely a lot more patient than Shaw and I.

That ole army training is starting to come into play. Where you hit a calm spot, you focus ONLY on the task (To near hyper focus levels) and you occasionally play the worlds quickest game of pros and cons. I don't want to delay for too much longer since that membrane is starting to get a mite tough.

 

[shawluvsbirds]

I don't quite understand the emoji. But I'm gonna give it another few hours then gently gently gently begin to remove the membrane, see what the story with the head is, and take a peak. He's still doing the occasional chewing kind of motion, though to me it looks more like opening and shutting his mouth. There are red veins still further on back around the membrane on the others.

Lol. . there are a lot of people who strongly disagree with assisting. That's all. I wouldn't encourage anyone to rush anything but it sounds to me like they are at a point where they may never externally pip. At least he you open the air cell you know they are breathing and can watch for signs that they are ready.

 

[WVduckchick]

That ole army training is starting to come into play. Where you hit a calm spot, you focus ONLY on the task (To near hyper focus levels) and you occasionally play the worlds quickest game of pros and cons. I don't want to delay for too much longer since that membrane is starting to get a mite tough.

Ok, so while we’re playing the waiting game, tell me about your user name? You like to fish in the rain? Lol