Hands on hatching and help

[WVduckchick]

Since it was late afternoon, I suspect she wanted to get back to the coop before sunset. I don't know exactly when they left the nest, but based on when/where we found them, it was about 4 pm.

They were late hatchers for sure, and I didn't find them until 9 pm. Plenty of time to cool off and dry out. I am not expecting wonders, but since I found them, I feel like I need to at least TRY. And I want to give them the best shot they can have.

Yea, i think I'd definitely chip the shell off the air cell end, just to moisten up the whole end of the membrane, and see what's going on. Probably stuck in there pretty good.

I'm off to bed, hope to see some hatchlings in the morning!!

 

[Eggrolls Mom]

Is this gonna be a lone duckling?

Yes he will, I know there's overwhelming levels of judgement coming my way for it but he (or she) will be with me 24/7 because I work for myself, and will have two dog siblings to play with (only when we're watching but they're good with other critters). We also have a fenced in secure backyard where he can roam and play etc etc. I know it isn't ideal for him to be alone and I've read a ton on the psych issues they can develop so I'll try to make sure he's a gentleman and not to expect him to be normal. He will however have a loving home for forever no matter what.

 

[WVduckchick]

Yes he will, I know there's overwhelming levels of judgement coming my way for it but he (or she) will be with me 24/7 because I work for myself, and will have two dog siblings to play with (only when we're watching but they're good with other critters). We also have a fenced in secure backyard where he can roam and play etc etc. I know it isn't ideal for him to be alone and I've read a ton on the psych issues they can develop so I'll try to make sure he's a gentleman and not to expect him to be normal. He will however have a loving home for forever no matter what.

I'm not judgemental about loners, especially if you've thought it through. I gave a final duckling that i hatched to a friend. She had a wonderful home alone for quite a while. Granted, they usually like to have siblings, but it happens and can work out fine.

 

[BlueShadow]

Yea, i think I'd definitely chip the shell off the air cell end, just to moisten up the whole end of the membrane, and see what's going on. Probably stuck in there pretty good.

I'm off to bed, hope to see some hatchlings in the morning!!

I did chip off the end, you are right, the membrane was STUCK to the keet.

Also the temp, in just 30 mins of being plugged in, my thermometer is reading 115F.

UMMM we are paying close attention to that and trying to cool off the situation ASAP

 

[Eggrolls Mom]

I'm not judgemental about loners, especially if you've thought it through. I gave a final duckling that i hatched to a friend. She had a wonderful home alone for quite a while. Granted, they usually like to have siblings, but it happens and can work out fine.

I didn't mean to say you would. But most people don't even stop to think maybe I have thought about it. I know I don't want two or more ducks right now but my one little Eggroll will be loved and cuddled to his little beaks content, supplied with all the things a duckling might need. Even if that's a forum of experts whose brains I can so graciously pick from time to time.

 

[BlueShadow]

The keet that had a big hole in the shell last night didn't make it. The egg that was just a pip last night now has a big hole like the other, and is cracked most of the way around. I peeled back a little of the shell and membrane then left the keet to work the rest of the way around.

Given that everyone else was completely dry when I found them, I suspect these eggs were laid late, or the hen wasn't able to properly incubate them (29 eggs is a lot of eggs for one guinea hen!) and they developed slow. Or the chicks may have been sick, but I think that's less likely given that most of the eggs did at least crack, so the chicks were alive at hatching time.

 

[Eggrolls Mom]

I'm not judgemental about loners, especially if you've thought it through. I gave a final duckling that i hatched to a friend. She had a wonderful home alone for quite a while. Granted, they usually like to have siblings, but it happens and can work out fine.

We've got real pippage! And lots lot little chirps this morning so maybe when I get home there will be a duckling out of an egg... Which would be outrageously eggciting lol

 

[BlueShadow]

We have one hatchling! This is the only hatchling I expect

 

[Eggrolls Mom]

We have one hatchling! This is the only hatchling I expect

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Sending you lots of love! One is better than none and you have it your best go. That's all we can do.

 

[BlueShadow]

Sending you lots of love! One is better than none and you have it your best go. That's all we can do.

Oh I am quite thrilled that one survived and hatched. I think only 2 eggs were still alive when I found them, and the one that died was pretty weak. This keet has 23 siblings out in the pen with mama