Rouen Duckling Piping...Questions**UPDATE**

[lovin'mychicks]

Okay so this is my first hatch other than chickens. These eggs are off a couple of Rouen ducks we raised last year.

So I sat the eggs 3.5 weeks ago and assumed they would hatch this sat/sun around 27/28 days. This morning when I went to turn my chicken eggs and place the duck eggs in their upright carton for hatching, I noticed one was piping! I was so surprised.

I called my Father IL who collected the eggs. He said he thought the hen was not setting, but maybe she was.

I feel bad that we took her eggs, but is there any other explanation to why they are hatching on day 26??

 

[Wifezilla]

When a duck pips, it can take up to 3 days for the little goober to get out of the egg.

 

[miss_jayne]

i second what Wifezilla said. they can start early and go for a few days.

duckies on the way!

 

[lovin'mychicks]

Gotcha!~

I will put on my patient hat and wait

Thanks so much for your help!!

 

[Wifezilla]

Yeahh...good luck with that...LOL

 

[lovin'mychicks]

Okay another question from the newbie!

So I placed my 3 remaining duck eggs in cartons yesterday (in the incubator). The one that was piping yesterday looks as though it is now zipping, it has broken the membrane and I can see the beak

Okay, I know you guys tell me this takes longer, but how long should I wait before attempting to help if needed?

With my chickens, if they are in a zipped egg for several (8-9 hrs) and are no longer making progress, I usually reach in and open the end of the egg and let them make their way out on their own. Sometimes this happens if things are too dry.

I added warm water this morning. I just don't want to wait too long to help, but I DON'T want to force them to hatch too early either!

I have read about people misting or adding moisture directly on the duck eggs. What do you guys recommend??

 

[Wifezilla]

I only help if there are humidity problems...but I live in Colorado so that is a big issue out here. I would keep a close eye on the membrane. If it starts to look white and stiff, you may need to help. Otherwise, give it more time.