Hatching duck eggs - first timer!

[lrbricke]

This is my first time hatching eggs!

I have 4 duck eggs in my incubator - due to hatch any day now...
one of the ducklings has seem to have pipped the wrong side?
It’s not a large hole, but I can see what I think is membrane... it’s white, and softer than the rest of the shell... that end of the egg is also darker than the rest...
When do I help (if I help)?

I’ve posted a picture too- the red circle is where the small hole is

 

[blayt90]

That is normal let it alone and let the duckling do it.

 

[WVduckchick]

This is my first time hatching eggs!

I have 4 duck eggs in my incubator - due to hatch any day now...
one of the ducklings has seem to have pipped the wrong side?
It’s not a large hole, but I can see what I think is membrane... it’s white, and softer than the rest of the shell... that end of the egg is also darker than the rest...
When do I help (if I help)?

I’ve posted a picture too- the red circle is where the small hole is

Are you saying the air cell is on the other end?? The picture appears that it pipped into the air cell, which is what its supposed to do. But if the air cell is on the other end, it should still be ok, but will need longer to hatch, and may need assistance. But its too early to do anything just yet. Can you confirm which end the air cell is on?

 

[lrbricke]

You are right- that is the side of the air sack! And I’m not too worried anymore- as he or she pipped right next to that hole this morning. So he or she seems to be doing fine!
2 out of the 4 have externally pipped so far - but all 4 are chirping and rocking away- so I’m hoping we’ll have ducklings in the next day or so!

On another note-
Is it possible for the humidity to be too high? Mine is flucuating between 65-70 % right now...

 

[WVduckchick]

How's it going today??

Humidity too high? Yes, if you see a bunch of dripping condensation, its too high. A small line of condensation is fine, but it should not be excessive, or able to drip on the eggs. 65-70% is about perfect for me.

 

[lrbricke]

We had one duck hatch last night!
And another has pipped and is making its way out...

How long should I leave the first duckling in there? He or she isn’t quite dry yet... so I’m thinking later today? That’d be close to 24 hours....

 

[littlecollier]

Congrats! So exciting! Can’t wait to see pictures ...

I’m in week one of incubating duck eggs and can’t wait to be where you are!

 

[chickens really]

We had one duck hatch last night!
And another has pipped and is making its way out...

How long should I leave the first duckling in there? He or she isn’t quite dry yet... so I’m thinking later today? That’d be close to 24 hours....

...Congrats. I remove all of mine to the Brooder an hour after hatch.. nice and warm in the Brooder and I hang a mirror for them too. Paper towel the first 24 hours and onto pine shavings...

 

[WVduckchick]

We had one duck hatch last night!
And another has pipped and is making its way out...

How long should I leave the first duckling in there? He or she isn’t quite dry yet... so I’m thinking later today? That’d be close to 24 hours....

I remove mine during breaks between others hatching. It may be 20 minutes after hatch, or it may be 8 hours. Basically if its up and moving around well, I'll move them to their nice warm brooder.

Congrats on the hatchling!

 

[lrbricke]

2 out of 4 are out! The other two haven’t even pipped yet so it may be tomorrow until they make their appearance.. I’ll post pics once hatching is over!

Thanks for the advice. I was curious if it was better to stay in the incubator until dry... ive seen mixed opinions on it..

I think I’ll move those two out today into the brooder.