Pip but no chirping in incubator!

[RoseUrsem]

This is my first time incubating eggs. I have 5 duck eggs and 6 chicken eggs in the same incubator. Chicks are due to hatch today and ducks in 1 week. There is a pip in one of the chicken eggs and one of them is shaking. I have not heard any chirping though... Is this normal? Also, I need to open the incubator 3 times a day to turn the duck eggs, but I have heard that this is not good for the duck eggs so I am not sure what to do!

I really want to candle them to see what is going on in there but I know it is probably not a good idea!

Any answers would be much appreciated!
Thank you so much

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

You don't always hear them all the time. Even though one has pipped it will also be doing a lot of resting at this point. They rest as it's a big effort for them to hatch. During this time they also absorb the yolk and blood vessels prior to hatch. For me I wouldn't candle, let nature its course.

As for having to open the incubator, yes this could cause issues for your hatching chicken eggs. It's what's called a staggered hatch and for me is a no no. During the last three days of incubation you need high humidity at least 65%, opening the incubator causes a drop in humidity which could shrink wrap the chicks in the egg. I say could as this may or may not happen there is no way to tell for sure. Some do open regular and have no ill effects, I just find it good practice that once the humidity is high to leave the incubator closed. It's a catch 22 for you I'm afraid either way that you do it one set of eggs could be at risk. Either from a drop in humidity or not being turned.

You will also more than likely have to clean your incubator out after the chicks have hatched ready for the ducks hatching. During hatch it can get messy with hatch gunk and poop from the chicks. With having to wait another week for the ducks this will likely cause bacteria to grow in the incubator which will not be good for the ducks. Also the smell will become overwhelming from the incubator. Incubators are ideal breeding grounds for bacteria and smells.

Wishing you the very best of luck.

 

[RoseUrsem]

Thank you very much! I still need to turn the ducks though.... So what should I do?
There was around a two hour rest from the shaking, and now it is shaking again. I am glad it is still alive!
Thank you so much!

 

[RoseUrsem]

It has hatched! Thank you so much for your help!

 

[RoseUrsem]

A very happy and chirping chick is in the incubator? 2 others are starting to hatch. I am addicted! Any ideas how long the chicks need to stay in the incubator (so they are dry)?
Thanks for everything

 

[WVduckchick]

Best to let them dry, and wait for no other pips to remove them, but any time is ok.
Turn your duck eggs as you take chickens out, or leave the ducks eggs. It wont hurt them to not be turned now, since they are due in a week.

 

[RoseUrsem]

I really need some help. When the chickens hatch is there suppose to be something on their bum? There is like a long thread, and it connected to the edge of the egg shell. What do I do? Is this suppose to be here?

 

[WVduckchick]

Its normal and will fall off shortly.

 

[RoseUrsem]

Thank you so much! 2 hatched chicks and 2 more pipped. Thank you so much for all your help!

 

[RoseUrsem]

How long do I need to wait before they eat? Or do I need to help them find their way? Thanks.