HELP! Mother Duck Killed- How long can Eggs Survive W/O Heat?

[chickeepoo]

Hi, Kathy- What a sweetie! We love the pics of Pogo- looks to me like she's quite happy. And she gets to go in the castle every night- hope the others aren't jealous…

We're still waiting on the last egg… still same beginning of a pip and a crack, but no ducky yet. The others are lying around it, hanging out- I didn't want to leave #6 alone with no cheerleaders on hand, so they're all still in the bator. My pictures keep coming out fuzzy, so I'll have to try again later. My cell phone has a couple on it, but I don't have a cable to download them

I hope this last baby can get an energy surge and break out- then we'll ALL get some sleep! I'll update again later tonight ~ Kathy

Oh, forgot to ask- do you use just paper towels in the brooder with ducklings for the first few days, like with chicks? Or go straight to wood shavings? Seems my pullets STILL don't get it that wood shavings aren't edible, so I didn't want these babies getting into any trouble…

 

[ancona91]

Hi There!!!
Thanks for your kind words about Pogo........yea, she's kinda spoiled(smile). The others really don't seem to mind....they're pretty comfy staying outside. They seem to know she has a handicap and are very gentle with her.
I'd leave them in with #6 also......it'd stink to be alone in there with nobody cheering you on. Hopefully it'll hatch tonight or in the morning!!!! Then your long vigil will be over. I'd use just paper towels in the brooder for a while.....as rambunctious as Kramer is he'd probably end up eating any wood shavings......better safe than sorry!!!!
Kathy

 

[chickeepoo]

Kathy, while we're all up here not sleeping, my husband wanted to know what kind of duck Pogo is… ? He also said "HI" and "Thank you!" for all your help. #6 is SLOOOOOWLY progressing- I think I saw a little rocking movement (and this time it wasn't because of Kramer!) and a little more cracking in the egg…

 

[chickeepoo]

Egg #6 wasn't getting anywhere despite his long attempts, so I finally made the executive decision in the wee hours of the morning to assist- the duckling finally pushed out at 5:00am and is drying and moving around now. His yolk had been fully absorbed, but he was packed in there so fully that he couldn't turn and continue opening his shell, and his membrane was drying out to boot…So as of now, we have 6 ducklings and a very tired me- we'll all get a nap now

(I hope- those older ducklings are rowdy partyers from the sounds coming out of the bator) and check back in later with pictures. Thank you to all, especially Ancona-Kathy; I really hesitated to step in at the last minute, but we went with "No Duckling Left Behind" when in nature I guess he probably would have been. But then, we've been working against "what would have been" for about 2 weeks! ~ Kathy

 

[ancona91]

Good Morning Kathy & Family and All the Ducky Well- Wishers!!!!!!
I fell asleep early for a change....that rarely happens. The first thing I check when I'm online are your wonderful updates....even before I've had my coffee (smile). It's truly been a rollercoaster ride these past few weeks!!! But we couldn't have asked for a better outcome.....we definitely beat the odds!!!!
All 6 ducklings survived their ordeal......I can't possibly tell you HOW OVERJOYED I AM!!!!!! I'm so glad to be a part of this amazing mini-saga........Team Ducky prevails!!!! I'm glad you made the call to assist #6.....sometimes they get so cramped in there that they can't move, making it difficult or impossible to finish "zipping". I've had to assist many ducklings over the years....just have to be sure the yolk is fully absorbed(which is sometimes a guessing game).
Please tell your DH "hello" from me!!!! And it was truly great to be able to assist!!! Pogo is a Khaki Campbell.....a breed known for laying very well. She may be a hybrid.....but that's what Campbells look like......so who knows for sure. She's got such a wonderful outlook on Life in general. Nothing seems to stop her from having a good time....another partying duck(smile). I think most ducks are just "happy-go-lucky" by nature......I don't ever recall seeing a grumpy duck (but I have seen grumpy chickens).
You'all must be totally exhausted!!!! I salute you and your family for your dedication, perseverance and love for animals. I think all of us on this thread make a wonderful team!!! I've always been a believer in the power of sending "good vibes" and well wishes....it can work miracles. Congratulations on "The Party Pack"(smile)!!!!!!!
Will check in again a bit later!!!
Nanny To A Mini Quack Pack,
Kathy

 

[coloradochick]

What a great ending to a wonderful ordeal Kathy! Job well done new Ducky Mama! So after your nap we need pics

 

[rebecky1305]

I LOVE happy endings

 

[ancona91]

Hi Everyone.....Only Me Again!!!!
I have a few "free" minutes . While we await pics of the "Scovy Bunch" I figured I'd post a few recent pics of my "namesakes" (my username, that is). I absolutely LOVE all ducks.......I have a very special place in my heart for the rare, endangered breeds of ducks and chickens. I've posted a few pics of my Ancona ducks and ducklings.....a very rare breed from England (yes, there are also Ancona chickens...I have to get a few...smile). They're on the "Critical List" of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy......and, in my opinion, well worth saving. Hope you enjoy the pics!!!
Kathy

 

[coloradochick]

Awww, very sweet babies and beautiful adults

I miss my Pekins

 

[ancona91]

Hey coloradochick!!!
Thanks!!! They're really neat ducks....very friendly and beautiful. Pekins are very nice!!! The funny thing is that I've never owned one....not even with all the rescue work over the years, which is really surprising since they're the most common duck breed. Maybe one day soon!!! You can't have ducks where you live now?!?
Kathy