My duck eggs hatching early!?!? Did I do something wrong?

[Lacrystol]

YES THATS INTERNALLY PIPPED NEXT WILL BE EXTERNAL

 

[casportpony]

This is an example of the shadow at the edge.


The arrow is where the shadow was but the camera didn't catch it. (I think he is camera shy! Every time I get the camera out he stops moving) I will see if I can get anything better.

Terrific pictures!

-Kathy

 

[casportpony]

Finally got him! And I can feel him hit the egg too. Is this an internal pip?

More great pictures!

-Kathy

 

[Teacherchick18]

YES THATS INTERNALLY PIPPED NEXT WILL BE EXTERNAL

How long should I expect there to be before an external pip? Just a range of time is good. Just wondering when I might see a baby. Also, I was told that duck eggs are much thicker so it takes much longer for them to pip and zip. Is this correct info? Thanks everyone!

 

[WVduckchick]

How long should I expect there to be before an external pip? Just a range of time is good. Just wondering when I might see a baby. Also, I was told that duck eggs are much thicker so it takes much longer for them to pip and zip. Is this correct info? Thanks everyone!

I'm not sure what the experts will say, but my duck eggs didn't seem any more thick than my chicken eggs, but I have gotten duck eggs (for eating) from my sister in law that seemed much thicker than the ones I hatched. I think shell thickness depends a lot on the nutrition of the momma, and possibly even be related to breed? The membrane did seem a little tougher on my ducks though. According to Storey's Guides, and from what I've read here, chickens do normally go from pip to zip and out in less time than ducks. The guide says ducks require 24-48 hours. Chickens are usually out in less than 24. I had 2 ducks take over 40 hours with no problems whatsoever, and I also had one that was out in around 12 hours, so it can easily vary.

 

[Teacherchick18]

I'm not sure what the experts will say, but my duck eggs didn't seem any more thick than my chicken eggs, but I have gotten duck eggs (for eating) from my sister in law that seemed much thicker than the ones I hatched. I think shell thickness depends a lot on the nutrition of the momma, and possibly even be related to breed? The membrane did seem a little tougher on my ducks though. According to Storey's Guides, and from what I've read here, chickens do normally go from pip to zip and out in less time than ducks. The guide says ducks require 24-48 hours. Chickens are usually out in less than 24. I had 2 ducks take over 40 hours with no problems whatsoever, and I also had one that was out in around 12 hours, so it can easily vary.

Thanks for the insight! I got to school this morning to find the egg in mid zip! Not sure when he started but I am so excited I can't hardly contain myself! I am probably more excited than the kids at this point! lol Hopefully I have a baby soon!

 

[WVduckchick]

Thanks for the insight! I got to school this morning to find the egg in mid zip! Not sure when he started but I am so excited I can't hardly contain myself! I am probably more excited than the kids at this point! lol Hopefully I have a baby soon!

So excited for you! Oh, and for the kids too lol!

 

[Teacherchick18]

Woohoo! He just hatched! The students are calling him Bill on account of a noticing by another student that his "beak" looks different than the chicks. I explained that its called a bill and not a beak so they decided Bill should be his name! lol They are so funny!

 

[dawnh]

Congratulations!!!!

 

[WVduckchick]

Woohoo! He just hatched! The students are calling him Bill on account of a noticing by another student that his "beak" looks different than the chicks. I explained that its called a bill and not a beak so they decided Bill should be his name! lol They are so funny!

Aww that is so cute! Congrats on Bill! I hope you will be able to post some pics.