It this normal?

[jenbell83]

 

[jenbell83]

Some have scratches on the beaks one even has a lil bruise..i feel bad. you know you just want everything to be ok with them or you worry sick

 

[loveourbirds]

you have done great, they look excellent in the pictures.

and the fact that its your first hatch, several people dont get any on a first hatch with chickens, ducks are a little harder.

now that you have seen how it goes once, next time you can go at it more relaxed. im not saying embryos are hard to kill, but they are more durable than most people want to think.

most first time hatchers want to assist way to early, you listened to sumi and didnt get into a hurry. you assisted the hatch flawlessly for the most part. the one you culled could have potentially been saved, but it could have had issues too; and that's a decision we have to make as hatchers.

i think everything is fine with these ducklings, of course i cant hold them or see them directly - so just use your best judgement.

 

[jenbell83]

yea. he just looked deformed. it just didnt look right. i tried to help him get air but his yolk was touching his beak. my husband thought we could incubate it without the membrane..lol. like a human baby. i said im not doing that..we open up the membrane that far and its done. so instead of watching him run outa air i just wanted him at peace. the second one died on its own. when i opened it afterwards all i could see was his back right leg and side. he turned the wrong way i guess.

 

[jenbell83]

Dont know what to do about the last 2 incubating? they have holes where the beaks are. the cayuga had no sign of blood so i carefully started to peel little by little shell back. some was turning reat dry yellow nasty looking and was sticking to it. so i got most of that was stuck to it off. it looks like there is no blood left and its turned to where i can see its side some. but while i was removing some of the old dried up stuff there was a spot bleeding more towards the wing and back area. and he cries when i lightly dap it with a warm damp q tip... can they get injurys while they are in there? on the back and wing area? im afraid to look. id rather make them work to get out. but how long is too long to make them wait?

 

[chickarooo]

Ok well I'm proud of u you have done a great job

 

[elliechooks]

Well done! You have done such a good job and should be really proud of your new babies!

 

[chickarooo]

Yea those little ducklings are gorgeous

 

[jenbell83]

Thank you guys. makes me feel better. the last 2 are trying to push out but the membrane is really sticky and yellow..should i help? how do i get it off their feather when they dry..its so sticky. like glue

 

[chickarooo]

how long have the ducklings been trying? if they have been trying more than 24hours help them out if not leave them for a little bit longer good luck