Hello all, We are currently Incubating a batch of Mandarin Duck eggs, but they are now on day 30!! We tested them in a bowl of water last night and they are definitely alive as the eggs were moving!! I'm sure they should have hatched by now but what do we do? Do we pop a little hole in them, leave them, or something else??! As I said they are moving, but, they are not yet pipping?? Many thanks - Stephen, Norwich, England
Quote:I would have to say to LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!!! Stick them back in the bator, and let nature do it's thing. If you try popping a hole in them, you might hit a vessel.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=491013 Excellent waterfowl hatching guide. Explains what is happening inside the egg and what to listen and watch for. I always put a tiny hole at the top of the blunt end over the aircell after internal pipping. After external pipping (natural or man made) its very important to keep the incubator closed and humidity high. It can take several days for ducks to hatch once they start. Good luck with your ducklings.
stevespeeds... may I suggest go to the "Ducks" topic, its down a little past "Incubating & Hatching Eggs". Thats where you can find the most help for ducks, in my opinion. Good luck, ~Julie~
