HELP! Incubator quit day 26!

[WVduckchick]

Just did a quick check in on them. All are internally pipped now, a couple are tapping away inside, a couple are just breathing inside... must be resting and exercising those lungs. Coming up on 24 hours since the first one internally pipped, but I have no idea when to make a safety hole because I don't know when that exact 24 hr mark is - I only know it was sometime between 3pm and 8pm that it pipped inside yesterday... just keep waiting? Any signs I should be looking for - like if it's getting tired or gasping in the air cell?

Personally I wouldn't rush them. If they are in the air cell, they should be able to knock the shell out easily.
Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks says "Ducklings require 24 to 48 hours to completely rim the shell and exit".

 

[Lacrystol]

Since we calculated today is there due date I would like to give them one more day. By then they should definitely have broken threw the two membranes And the shell. So hang tight let's give them one more day then will make safe holes. I think your new bator. Is going to help a lot with the process. Since they are all talking it won't be long. I would say one or two will crack the shell by tonight.

 

[Homesteadin]

Ok... I will wait. I have not heard any peeping evere since 5+ hours ago but maybe they have just been making noise when I am not there. I think I would sleep a LOT better if I gave them safety holes before bed but I am certainly no expert and I just need to try not to let my nerves get shredded. Really hoping to see somebody peek out to say "hi" tonight, though!

 

[Lacrystol]

Well one thing to keep in mind we are on there schedule not ours so after tomorrow then it's our turn lol.

 

[Homesteadin]

Well one thing to keep in mind we are on there schedule not ours so after tomorrow then it's our turn lol.

Haha, okay - got it

 

[Orca5094]

Wow, love the new incubator set-up! Looks great!

Any updates today?

 

[Homesteadin]

Thanks Orca!

It's a little past 7am here, and still no external pips; they are officially a full day past due date. One has been internally pipped for at least 36 hours now. I am chomping at the bit!!

 

[Homesteadin]

Time for safety holes? Small one at the top of the broad end?

 

[Lacrystol]

Time for safety holes? Small one at the top of the broad end?

Lets candle him.. Start with the Oldest one, meaning the one that has been internally pipping for the longest.

 

[Homesteadin]

Lets candle him..  Start with the Oldest one, meaning the one that has been internally pipping for the longest.

He's alive, but not doing much. When I tap on the shell he doesn't make any noise or move more. Anything else I should look for?

The other that pipped a few hrs after him seems pretty much the same. The one after that I can see opening and closing its beak but no tapping or anything. The fourth is tapping a little still.