Please help! Overdue duck with no sign of pipping. Warning! Graphic images

[casportpony]

Up until about may 30th the temp stayed between 98-99* since then it's been between 96-97* and I put extra water in for added humidi

Sorry for your loss. It's been my experience that when the shell temp of the egg drops like this that the duckling or chick has died, so I think that's why you saw a drop in shell temp , and to me the pictures posted look like those of a duckling that has been dead for several days. As for cause of death, impossible to know.

 

[casportpony]

I wish I knew what caused it..he made it so far!! I'm so mad at myself

Don't be mad at yourself, these things happen to all of us incubators. {{{{ hugs }}}}

 

[K33sha]

Thank u all soo much for all the help/support! I really appreciate it a lot! this was my first time..I really wasn't prepared..just desperate to save his life! I knew the chances were probably slim only having one egg..and a home made incubator. I can't believe he made it that far truthfully..maybe I will invest in an incubator..cant I buy eggs to hatch? I haven't told my daughter yet.. That will b the hardest part.

 

[casportpony]

Thank u all soo much for all the help/support! I really appreciate it a lot! this was my first time..I really wasn't prepared..just desperate to save his life! I knew the chances were probably slim only having one egg..and a home made incubator. I can't believe he made it that far truthfully..maybe I will invest in an incubator..cant I buy eggs to hatch? I haven't told my daughter yet.. That will b the hardest part.

I feel bad for you and your daughter, I know how sad I feel when they get so close. Give yourself a huge pat on the back because you improvised and managed to keep it's shell temp is the safe range for over three weeks, that's impressive.

 

[K33sha]

Oh I forgot that I had a picture of the mom..was it a mallard? This was taken the day before she left. Just curious on the breed

 

[casportpony]

View attachment 1033362 Oh I forgot that I had a picture of the mom..was it a mallard? This was taken the day before she left. Just curious on the breed

She's pretty. Probably a wild Mallard.

 

[WVduckchick]

Beautiful duck, I agree, probably a wild mallard.

Beware, if you buy an incubator, it can be quite addicting!
You may find some local hatching eggs through craigslist, or right here on this site, there is a buy/sell/trade section, and a few auction/swap threads. Lots of duck lovers!