Please HELP!

[Duckiee]

Okay, I have incubating Mallard eggs, and they just pipped. I've been keeping a constant eye on them. I leave sight of the incubator for less than five minutes, and my brother, who happens to be ten years old, cracked the egg open around the air space. I don't know if it will survive, the membrane is starting to dry out. The chick is still alive, well, and the yolk which can be seen in the end of the egg still, is in fact receeding... What do I do?!

 

[Jenski]

You might lay a wet paper towel over that end, and then put the egg back in the bator and let the duckling come out when he's ready.

Oh, and keep your brother out of that room.

 

[Duckiee]

I'll do this, but will it ensure its survival? The membrane of the air sac is dry..., so when it starts struggling to get out, what do I do then???

 

[Wifezilla]

You may have to mist it with a spray bottle, but usually the wet paper towel trick works.

 

[Duckiee]

Well, I think I waited too long, but if this ever happens again, thank you very much, now I know what I'll need to do...