Resolved---Big thanks to 2 NC posters :)

[ksj0225]

Ok, this is a clutch of 20 duck eggs that we left with two duck moms. We didn't think any would hatch. So far we have one 4 day old in the house that *should* make it.

I went out there tonight and one dud egg had exploded into another and that egg is now crushed. I can see maybe the back and a foot, and I can see the rise and fall of it breathing, but no head and no beak.

What should I do, should I help it out???

Right now I've misted it with water and it's under a heat lamp with the 4 day old... Please help...

 

[Silkie Sue]

Do you think it is ready to hatch?
i guess you mite be past that point....
you probably have no choice but to help it out. do not pull it out of the egg all the way if you still see blood in the veins of the egg. leave his bum in until he absorbs the yolk sac.
Good luck

 

[ksj0225]

Would a picture help?

 

[BHep]

HI
The head & beak will be tucked under the wing....that is fine. I would wrap the egg in a warm moist paper towel, leave it for a hour and then recheck. If it were "ME"...I would gently peel off a small bit of shell, if you see blood, re wrap and leave it be for a bit. Keep re checking, if it appears to be getting glued in the shell, use warm moist paper towel to loosen and gently chip the shell away until the duckling come out. If there is blood....re wrap, its not ready. good luck

 

[BHep]

Quote:
yes.....

 

[ksj0225]

 

[ksj0225]

Wow, it's hard to get a good picture

OMG It's kicking!!!

 

[ksj0225]

Can anybody direct me to a picture of what blood or the veins look like?

I see some slight veins...

 

[BHep]

If there is no blood, gently pick away the shell toward the top.... If possible, leave its bottom in the shell to finish absorbing the yoke.

 

[BHep]

Quote:
Thats them... if there is blood...its not ready. Wrap in warm moist paper towel.