Help? Day 29 Waiting for hatch signs on 8 Pekin duck eggs

[dntkriner]

Okay, I have three eggs now externally pipped. There is some serious peeping going on in the incubator! The first pipped egg finally has a membrane showing (looks like leather) but it is a little brown where it looks like the first pip happened, should I be concerned? If I can figure out posting a pic, I will post one so you can see what I'm talking about.

 

[dntkriner]

Is this normal?

 

[WVduckchick]

Yes, that looks normal. Maybe just a touch on the dry side, but also looks like it has made a little progress toward coming out soon. Usually after they make a few pips close to each other like that, they start to zip soon afterward.

Can you still hear peeping from that egg, or see any movement through that slit. Watch for the membrane to heave in and out, or just flutter a little.

 

[Miss Lydia]

 

[dntkriner]

Yes, there is peeping coming from it and it moves back and forth!

 

[WVduckchick]

Yes, there is peeping coming from it and it moves back and forth!

Awesome. Just watch for that membrane to get really brown and dry looking. You don't want that to happen. But it should start zipping soon.

 

[dntkriner]

In just a few hours he has made a hole where the brown membrane was and is quite loud. I'd say its about the size of a dime. His beak is nibbling at the outer parts of the membrane.

 

[Ravynscroft]

In just a few hours he has made a hole where the brown membrane was and is quite loud. I'd say its about the size of a dime. His beak is nibbling at the outer parts of the membrane.

Sounds like he's doing fine then... ducks will 'punch around' sometimes for quite a while before an actual zip...

 

[dntkriner]

The zip still hasn't happened and the membrane is brown. Should I do something?

 

[dntkriner]

Ha Ha! I think you were answering me at the same time I asked the question! I trust you to know what's best. The egg seems to be very brittle. Little tiny pieces are falling off as the egg wiggles. I keep walking away to do something. This is so hard to not try to help!