Pipped at Wrong End

[Pinguanddibdab]

Hello,
I have had two ducklings pip at the narrow end of the egg. They have been like this for 48 hours with no improvement. Would it be safe to make a little hole in the air cell just so I can see the membrane and check if all the veins have gone before I help it a little ?

Thanks x

 

[RosemaryDuck]

Hello,
I have had two ducklings pip at the narrow end of the egg. They have been like this for 48 hours with no improvement. Would it be safe to make a little hole in the air cell just so I can see the membrane and check if all the veins have gone before I help it a little ?

Thanks x

If they already have a pip and are breathing air, you can make a small safety hole. Just candle first and see where they are, and be careful not to hit any large veins. Don't pull away shell or membrane until you're sure there's no large veins, as it can cause them to bleed out.

Also make sure you're making the safety hole where their bills are, not on the side with the yolk sac. You can rupture it if you poke through it.

 

[Pinguanddibdab]

If they already have a pip and are breathing air, you can make a small safety hole. Just candle first and see where they are, and be careful not to hit any large veins. Don't pull away shell or membrane until you're sure there's no large veins, as it can cause them to bleed out.

Also make sure you're making the safety hole where their bills are, not on the side with the yolk sac. You can rupture it if you poke through it.

Okay will give it a go.