Is my duckling okay?

[James Mather]

Currently, my momma duck(Betty), is sitting on four eggs. Five days ago she hatched two khaki campbell ducklings on her own, and is periodically sitting on the remaining four. This morning I noticed a dime sized hole in the oldest of the four eggs. It was in the air pocket, no damage to the duckling inside, but I’m concerned that leaving it out in the coup would result in losing the duck. I can clearly see inside of the egg, and the duckling is breathing and wiggling like normal. The egg is about 30 days along, and I’m thinking of bringing it in to the incubator until it hatches. I’m wondering if that is a good idea? Would the typical 95 degree temp be good? Should I leave it out in the coup? These little guys are our pets. We have a Lab who plays with them often. We only collect the eggs. We lost our two males to a neighbors dog a few weeks ago, so we really want these ones to make it. Thank you for the help!!!

 

[Chickiemom25]

define periodically

 

[James Mather]

She sits through the night, and leaves every couple hours during the day to roam the yard before sitting again.

 

[Chickiemom25]

how long is she off the nest? Is it covered with down?

 

[James Mather]

how long is she off the nest? Is it covered with down?

Yep! She covers them completely before she leaves. She may be gone from 15mins to an hour. It has increased since the others hatched.

 

[Chickiemom25]

that is pretty normal. the down keeps the eggs cozy and insulated. Your last ones should hatch soon and then she will abandon the nest but it sounds like she knows there is another hatching

 

[James Mather]

Hopefully!
I’m concerned with the one with a hole in it. Not sure
If I should keep it in the incubator or leave it in the nest. I can see the little guy wiggling around and breathing. There isn’t any rupture with the membrane.

 

[Chickiemom25]

if the egg is under the down, leave it unless you feel it cooling

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. The time she spends off the nest will increase as she concentrates on the hatched ducklings. If it reaches the point that the eggs are being chilled, I would remove them and place them in the incubator. Once any hatched ducklings are strong enough you may be able to introduce them to her.