New mom for 4 abandoned duck eggs. I really need help!

[AmyA248]

Hi!
I’m brand new to this great forum. I am incubating 4 wood duck eggs who’s mama was killed by a fox. They have been growing and thriving for 16 days. The problem is that I don’t know their exact age. Through research and candying I believe that they were 12-15 days old.
I’m getting very concerned because they have not piped yet, and it takes me awhile to find movement.
Their egg sacks look great and they have soaked up all their amniotic fluid.
I don’t know when to stop turning and begin lockdown.
I’m hoping someone with experience could possibly help me! It would be a true blessing because I’ve grown to love these babies!
Thank you so much for any advice or suggestions.

Very kindly,
Amy

 

[sourland]

I'd guess that they have several more days to go.

 

[AmyA248]

Could they possibly be upside down? I’m really worried but they are most definitely alive!!
I don’t see their beaks but they are likely hidden, but from what I’ve read they should be getting into the piping position.
The incubator is still turning the eggs and the temperature and humidity is correct.
I’m sorry I’m writing so much but I’m really worried and my daughter is 9 and begging me to find out if anything is wrong!
God bless!

 

[AmyA248]

I'd guess that they have several more days to go.

Thank you so much! Even if they are completely full?
I feel so much better!! I can’t thank you enough!!

 

[sourland]

Some veining is still visible so I think they are still developing - good luck for a successful hatch.

 

[AmyA248]

I’m so sorry that the pics uploaded twice!
My daughter thought she was helping me!
When do I put them in lockdown and stop turning the eggs. Do I wait til they pip??

 

[AmyA248]

Some veining is still visible so I think they are still developing - good luck for a successful hatch.

Thank you so very much! I’m so happy that I found this wonderful forum!
So all the veins need to be gone when they are ready?
I appreciate your help more then I can tell you!!

 

[Tonyroo]

Candle some eggs each day, when you no longer see veins along the shell and just a dark mass, put them into lockdown and don't turn the eggs at all.

Monitor your humidity and temperature for the next 3 days after lockdown.

 

[Yardmom]

This is a tough stage to see movement and veins. They look like they are getting close to hatch day. You can wait until you see a shadow and or a breathing duckling when candleing to lockdown or just start lockdown now. You want them to be locked down before any external pips.
The veins usually disappear shortly after a duckling dies or when the live duckling is ready to come all the way out of the egg. (They still have veins when they externally pip).

 

[AmyA248]

Candle some eggs each day, when you no longer see veins along the shell and just a dark mass, put them into lockdown and don't turn the eggs at all.

Monitor your humidity and temperature for the next 3 days after lockdown.

Thank you Tonyroo!