My Runner Duck Eggs are hatching! NOW WHAT*

[FenDruadin]

They are SO adorable. Nice work, momma duck! I wish my runners would do that, lol. Mine keep trying, but so far all duds. Oh well. Thanks for sharing your pics--they're gorgeous!

 

[jdywntr]

Well this morning one of the eggs under my silkie has pipped. Can't wait. I was kind of sad to not see any chocolate coloring (I have 1 chocolate male) but oh well. I think I'm going to keep the blue and white, the fawn(ish) looking ones, and well I'll have to see what comes from the 3 unhatched.

Frankly, I'm hoping for males I have a hard enough time getting rid of the eggs my chickens lay. Nobody that I have found is that interested in duck eggs. Though after this experience, I may change my mind.

 

[FarmrGirl]

OMG! What an excellent hatch rate! I honestly never would have thought a Runner gal would have the attention span to sit on a nest and hatch out 10 babies

What a good mama! And I'm excited that you had a broody butt to put those eggs under... waaaaaay better than an incubator any day!

Congratulations! They like a cute overdose

 

[jdywntr]

I was thrilled too. She sat for 4 days until she finally gave up. Well, of the last 3, the one that pipped this morning died.

I was a bit surprised because it seemed so strong and loud this morning. It got about half of the end off. I am thinking that it was just too hot under the silkie. It was in the 90's today outside and the silkie in the nest box was just stifling. I had seen the mother duck standing over the nest periodically during the hatch (temp adjustement?) but I think the silkie just sat. I went ahead and set up an emergency incubator and put the remaining 2 in there about an hour ago. Never done this before so we'll see. I did see movement in both, 1 had pipped this morning, and then I heard cheeping.

 

[jdywntr]

2nd hatchling died trying to get out. It was shrink wrapped in the shell. I have tried to up the humidity for the remaining egg.

 

[tbitt]

Oh so sad to hear about those two. Hopefully this last one hatches well!


The rest of the babies are just too cute!!!!! Take more pictures so I can drool some more!

 

[jdywntr]

Well, last egg is still alive.

It was not progressing so last night I picked off a bit of shell and it looked a bit dry. I picked off a bit more and used a pin to cut through the membrane. The inner membrane looked like it was shrinking and so, holding the egg more upright, I put a few drops of warm water down the side. I then placed the end of a damp paper towel in the bowl of water so it remained wet. So, far so good.

It is very wet in there. I'm thinking because I used a cardboard box, no appropriate plastic available, that the box is taking in some of the moisture in the air. Note to self, if I am expecting eggs again, but a high sided plastic tote.

I am so hoping that this one makes it. The last two that died during hatching were black, which I assumed this one was also. But it has a yellowish beak so I'm thinking maybe another blue. I'm surprised that it is not black as all of mom's (blue) eggs hatched first and the 3 black that I have were toward the end of the hatch. They both lay green eggs so wasn't sure.

 

[jdywntr]

Last egg hatched!!!!!!! It is still attached to the egg but I am being causously optomistic. Its blue and white.

 

[ourlittleflock]

such cuties you have running around

 

[Miss Lydia]

Love those pictures. congrats on the great hatch..