I have a duck question!***Update I love him!***(more pics)

[patyrdz]

I am hatching runner ducks, first time ever hatching ducks. I have three that have pipped so far. Well one has a hole in the egg and his beak is sticking out. I am concerned because I do not know how it can zip the egg if his beak is out! Is this normal? I know I am suppose to wait, but the beak being poked out is a new one on me!


I love him already!!

 

[patyrdz]

Anyone?? Please!!!

 

[call ducks]

how far out ? Can you post pics ?

 

[obsessed]

Cant help you. Never hatched a thing.

 

[BeardedChick]

My two ducks did that as they pipped. I finally gave in after 24 hours and helped them break the shell a little (I did not tear the membrane for them, though).

ETA:

You can see where I chipped off a big part of the shell around their beaks. I'll edit and add another picture when I can find it.

 

[HorseFeathers]

I cannot help you either, as I am sadly inexperienced in the area of hatching, but remember: It is perfectly fine to ask questions! In fact I personally encourage it. BYC is a place to learn and you can't learn without asking questions.

 

[BeardedChick]

Aaah, here we go. I had chipped back a fair bit of shell, without bothering the membrane.

Eta: this duck popped right out shortly after this.

 

[HorseFeathers]

I'm sorry, this is off-topic, but AWWWW!

 

[BeardedChick]

Quote:
That picture is so dinosaur-ish... I like it, but for some reason I expect that baby to have sharp teeth and big scaly wings!

 

[patyrdz]

Thank you all for responding! I was starting to get a complex!
I helped him!

But...I just zipped it for him and he did the rest! My first duck!! I can't tell you how exciting this is!! I have wanted a duck since I was little! My Grandpa used to take me to cattle auctions, and they always had ducks. Since then I have wanted one! My Grandpa was a very important part of my life and we were very close. I guess this makes me feel closer to him! He has been gone for 25 years!
well anyway... I have three more trying to hatch! I have a picture of Junior

I will post it as soon as it will upload!
Thank you!