How long can a duck internally pip, without externally pipping and be ok?

[NewDucksMama]

My duck egg started internally pipping late Tuesday night, but has not started externally..... at what point is this a concern?

Thank you

 

[Bill 101]

How can you tell they internally piped?

 

[NewDucksMama]

Candling. You can see its beak right up against the shell. And you can tell its through the air sac

 

[Bill 101]

It was a loaded question. I KNEW how you could tell. I've hatched chicks & some ducks for 30 years. Whenever you open the incubator, you let out the built up humidity (your eggs are obviously in lockdown) & decrease the possibility of your eggs hatching normally, it's not a good practice.

Now to answer your question. It can take 24 or more hours before they will pip the shell. You really need to be patient, I know it's really hard, but when THEY are ready they will hatch (as long as you provided the proper environment, heat, humidity)

 

[NewDucksMama]

Top of egg is turning gray!!!!!!! I haven't opened or touched it so I don't even know if it is alive, Should I be worried about this graying?

 

[NewDucksMama]

He/she died