Hatching Muscovy Ducks - Lockdown/Assist

[Nkathlynh]

Hi Everyone

I’m hatching Muscovy ducks right now. I candled them to mark air sacs late on Wednesday (day 29) and was surprised to find they had all internally pipped (which seemed early - video below as I’m pretty sure that’s internal pip but this is my first batch of ducks so maybe I’m wrong). It’s been close to 48 hours and they are all still moving in there (using a light through the bator, not opening it) but no external pips. Should I make a small hole for them for air or leave it? Any advice appreciated.

Video of suspected internal pip:

 

[Kellyjenny]

@DucksAreBest

 

[DucksAreBest]

I would make a safety hole, but let's see what the experts will say: @MGG @JaeG @WVduckchick?

 

[Nkathlynh]

Update: we have two external pips and all ducklings are moving inside the eggs still (I candled from outside the bator with a flashlight, I didn’t open it) ❤

I did not put air holes at this point

 

[Nkathlynh]

Update! One has hatched and the rest external pipped

 

[Nkathlynh]

Update, we have six hatched ducky’s out of six that were locked down

 

[thoward1221]

My goodness they're cute! I really don't think there is anything more adorable than a newly- hatched duckling.