Runner duck hatch problems

[WVduckchick]

Sorry about that, just relating what I was told.

I understand, and I didn't mean to sound rude. I only corrected you because that's how misinformation spreads. If you had said "from what I've read, 50 is probably too high", or "for most people, 50 is too high", etc... its all in the wording.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Well the one I was worried about is wiggling about now and blinking like the others which I'm very surprised about as it looked practically dead. Think I'm going to have to mist them every hour as the goo that's on them keeps going hard so they can't move! So **** cute though one moves everytime it hears my voice

Just wanted to clarify: misting/cooling needs to occur during incubation, not during hatch (I stop at lockdown). More info here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/550093/misting-and-cooling-duck-hatching-eggs.

 

[newchickmama91]

What shall I do about them going all hard and not being able to move? Really want the best for these babies even if I have to stay up all night.

 

[WVduckchick]

Just wanted to clarify: misting/cooling needs to occur during incubation, not during hatch (I stop at lockdown). More info here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/550093/misting-and-cooling-duck-hatching-eggs.

I misted my last duck hatch of call ducks just a few times around the middle of incubation because the air cells looked too small. I also wiped the eggs fairly firmly, once, with a damp sponge, to kinda remove the bloom to allow them to lose a bit more moisture. It helped a bunch! I think Storey's Guide recommends the misting between days 6-24. But a few days, a couple times a day, was plenty for mine.

What shall I do about them going all hard and not being able to move? Really want the best for these babies even if I have to stay up all night.

You "can" wash them, then towel dry, and warm blow dry. Or I have even dry-brushed them with an old toothbrush, or eyelash brush (lol!). Normally, as long as their nares and eyes aren't crusty, they will preen off most of the stiff stuff themselves (and each other!) But do whatever you are comfortable with. Sometimes all it takes is a good rubbing.

 

[newchickmama91]

Help!!! One of them kicked the shell off with a big yolk still attached and burst it. What shall I do? Will it survive? I feel like crying!!

 

[WVduckchick]

Help!!! One of them kicked the shell off with a big yolk still attached and burst it. What shall I do? Will it survive? I feel like crying!!

The yolk burst?? Normally that's a really bad thing. Just trying to be honest.

Best you can do is put it in a bowl or something to immobilize it, on something soft.... a towel, rag, etc... you don't want it dragging it around or moving any more than necessary. And pray for the best.

 

[newchickmama91]

I put it on a towel and left it in there not looking good though

they all hatched early but seem to be dropping like flies

 

[newchickmama91]

Can I put a duckling with yolk still hanging out in a cup in the brooder? Or shall I keep it in the incubator? I'm worried because one that kicked the shell off has like green goo in the shell and if it's bacteria I don't want it near that duckling.

 

[WVduckchick]

Can I put a duckling with yolk still hanging out in a cup in the brooder? Or shall I keep it in the incubator? I'm worried because one that kicked the shell off has like green goo in the shell and if it's bacteria I don't want it near that duckling.

Sorry, I missed this. Best to leave in the incubator if you can. The brooder is harder to find the right temperature spot and you don't want it to get too cool or too hot.

And the green goo is likely just poo from the ducklings system starting to work. Mine do that too. It's nasty, but normal.

 

[newchickmama91]

Sorry, I missed this. Best to leave in the incubator if you can. The brooder is harder to find the right temperature spot and you don't want it to get too cool or too hot.

And the green goo is likely just poo from the ducklings system starting to work. Mine do that too. It's nasty, but normal.

Pretty sure my hatcher is faulty as it's saying 37.7 but it feels far to hot in there! I got the duckling out as all the others have died I put it in a little tub with a cloth in it and in the brooder with my other two which to my surprise 5 minutes of it being in there and it's bounced right back up!! My chicks can't reach it they aren't fussed anyway but I think the noise of them is giving the little duckling a push. First noise I've heard from it and the yolk has reduced quite abit! Fingers and toes crossed