Ok so I put 10 Runner duck eggs in my bator the day after thanksgiving. By my estimate I thought they would hatch the 24-25th of dec. So I did not turn them today. But since I had recently hatched a few chickens a day ago some of the duck eggs got moved around and were touching. I figured with 3 days left I had enough time for the humidity to go back up for the hatch but as I was picking up one of the duck eggs I noticed that it was starting to hatch and there was a pipping hole (? I am not yet knowledgeable on chicken terms) I made sure not to shift the way it was sitting and put it back and did not even move the others. I can hear chirping and see some movement in the eggs. Why are they hatching early, is this normal? Have I done something to mess it up by opening the bator letting all the moisture escape? Oh I forgot to mention I put a drop of water on my finger (I keep some next to bator for refilling) and touched the little pipping spot hoping that would help keep it moist while my humidity goes up. I never bought a wet bulb thermometer (this is my first time hatching and I did not realize that it was good to have one, I have just ordered one on ebay though) So presently I have no real way of telling what my humidity is. Oh I really hope they hatch any advise would be greatly appreciated.
By my count it is day 24, which isn't too bad, but it is a bit early. It could be that your temps were a little high? I have 3 pekin eggs in the hatcher right now that are due on the 23/24, and 2 have pips already. I know my temps were right between 99-101, and that's with a still air bator. It could be if they were the duck's first eggs that this would make them hatch early too. I have read people that said they hatch ducks at 55% humidity, so I wouldn't worry too much. Just add some wet sponges and paper towels or washcloth, sock, something like that that would bring the humidity up more. And be sure to use hot water, as this will bring it and the temps up faster. Be careful putting water over the pip hole, you can drown the baby inside. That hole is the only source of air once they pip it, and if their bills are close to the hole, they will inhale the water. I doubt that you have messed them up by opening it for a little, especially since they have just started pipping. Remember, they can take 24-48 hours to hatch after they first pip, so just make sure you wait!! Good luck!
