hatching

[donkeydew2farms]

ok I have one duckling trying to hatch. last night it poked a hole through the shell and today it hasn't progressed much today is the 28th day. do I give more time or should I help it. it is alive I can see it moving. I think it is trying to hatch at the wrong end. thanks. oh there are two more eggs so far nothing they look like they should.

 

[Orca5094]

They often rest for about 24 hours between making their initial pip through the shell and continuing with the hatching process. Can you post a pic of the egg so we can see if it is indeed at the wrong end? If that is the case you MIGHT have to help at some point, but it's always best if they can hatch out themselves. It's very dangerous to try and help them if you don't know what you are doing.


Just in case though, have you read through this page? It's pretty long, but very helpful and will help you figure it if/when you would need to help. Read it very thoroughly, and don't freak out. Give the little guy time to do it himself. Intervening is only a last resort.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/step-by-step-guide-to-assisted-hatching

 

[donkeydew2farms]

Orca5094 sorry it took me this long to get back I did read the step-step guide to hatching it was very informative but I read it to late and I intervene it was at the wrong end but good news is she is alive running around and eating a little today. I think she thinks my finger is another duck. but I know now what to do for the future. I will post pictures I really don't want to jinx her. The only thing now she needs a buddy I went to the TSC they had a lot of them SAT. none on Sun. they lady said the sold out. I can order from Metza farms but most of there ducks are not available till May 4th. any body have any ideas. It will be awhile before she goes out with the others. Thanks.

 

[Orca5094]

Wow, well good job getting her out! And thanks for the update! I guess the others didn't make it, though? So sorry about that. :/

Did TSC say when they'd be getting more in? Of course it'd be best to get her some friends right away, but I think if you have to wait a week for Metzer she would be ok. Just give her an unbreakable mirror so she thinks she has a friend, something to snuggle up with (stuffed animal), and spend as much time with her as you can.

 

[donkeydew2farms]

well I have to how off my baby what do you think she looks like.
the first picture was yesterday when she was moved out of bator second was this morning. she had her head cocked to see me. I went home at lunch mind you it was a 15 mile trip one way but I wanted to check on the temps and make sure she eats a little she was a fire cracker when she saw me. so cute.

 

[Miss Lydia]

well I have to how off my baby what do you think she looks like.
the first picture was yesterday when she was moved out of bator second was this morning. she had her head cocked to see me. I went home at lunch mind you it was a 15 mile trip one way but I wanted to check on the temps and make sure she eats a little she was a fire cracker when she saw me. so cute.

Is she blk swede or cayuga.. very precious duckling Congrats!!

 

[Orca5094]

She's adorable!

And I agree with Amiga. Looks like either a Cayuga or Black Swedish.

 

[donkeydew2farms]

I was thinking black Swedish, I have two blue Swedish girls two Cayuga girls and I had three hybrids at the time I collected the eggs. two of those were taken my a fox. my Kc drake is the dominant breeder. but I have a blue Swedish drake also. they all lay in the same spot so I have not a clue what eggs came from which girl. they were test eggs but I still feel bad about the other three. I have been looking for another baby TSC is not ordering any more. any body have any babies?

 

[donkeydew2farms]

OK I located some baby ducks at rural King but the are Pekins and roans do you think they will be to big to go in with my lucky duck?

 

[Miss Lydia]

OK I located some baby ducks at rural King but the are Pekins and roans do you think they will be to big to go in with my lucky duck?

Probably not my Muscovys drakes 12-15 lbs my females 5-6