Mama Duck Attacked!!

[L0rraine]

I'm smiling - hoping for the best. This batch deserves it.

 

[Jkioneil]

Quote:
You know what's a real miracle to me besides the obvious is that the seven of the nine eggs left are the FLOATERS that I'd thrown out and had to retrieve from the trash!!! My new advice is count em all ducks until it's proven otherwise!!!

That is amazing! You are doing that mama proud! For these babys you are the miracle!

They are going to imprint on you too and that is such an amazing gift. i want them to hurry up.. everyone in this thread is so invested. This thread and the help and support you have recieved through the sorrow and the joy has made me really thankful for BYC and everyone on it. Chicken/duck people are pretty fabulous!

 

[Horsefly]

Wow I just found this thread, go little ducklings!! That's awsome you are useing an aquarium for an incubator. Hm I have an old aquarium laying around lol, look what you did now. I hope for a very good hatch for your duckies. We will be waiting for pictures.

 

[chikky]

My duckies and I am rooting for you too!

 

[MamacatPatch]

Ok there was no progress that I could see !!! At what point do I step in to help if I do that? Should I wait 48 hours? I'm starting to get worried!!!

 

[L0rraine]

So I've never had them in the incubator and I've heard you aren't supposed to lift the lid, but when they've been under my ducks or hens I could gently pick the egg up and listen for peeps or scratching. Can you see any movement? I know you can't help but worry already, but the rule of thumb is to give them at least 48 hours. Hopefully the 'incubator hatching experts' will be up and have had their coffee and give you some support soon.

 

[katharinad]

You should feel some movement in the egg when you hold it. It should be kind of a clacking feeling from the bill hitting the shell. You can also hold the egg to your ear to hear better. If you feel this then leave it alone for another 6 hours. The duck is just taking its time and resting. It may still have a lot of yolk to absorb.
Katharina

 

[katharinad]

24-48 hours from piping is normal for hatching time. I personally get concerned when it takes more then 24 hours, so I usually start to check from there on for movement. You need to occasionally vent the aquarium because is is more airtight then an incubator. It needs fresh air occasionally so the ducks don't suffocate. Commercial incubators always have some air intake in form of small holes in the foam ones or slits in the plastic version. People get to wrapped around about the lock down time and think it is really bad to open it. Excess opening is, but not once in a while is ok. So, if you hear movement in the egg put it back. If not you may need to take a toothpick and chip a little bit away of the shell to see what is going on and to make sure it can breath more easily. Don't go overboard, because you don't want the duck to bleed. This means stay away from the membrane for now.
Katharina

 

[MamacatPatch]

OMG I've got a DUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just went to check and there he was!!!!!!

Taking more pix and vids now!!!

I just let him alone for a day or so right? Before trying to fed him??

 

[katharinad]

Right on the 24 hour mark. I'm so happy for you. Lets hope we get a few more. This also means we've got the humidity right and no shrink wrapping. That was my main concern.
Katharina