As long as it is moving and making noise on a reg basis to indicate it is going strong, leave it alone. I too assist, when to assist is not always clear so you will need to make a jusdgement. I will rip the cap off and make the poult or chick do the rest of the work. In my experience the legg movement to push and shove and turn is vital to proper leg function post hatch. ( I don't carefully chip the shell to mimic the zipping, I just rip the cap off.) Sometimes they get glued due to drying and need futher assistance to get out. THen I give a little PT. KEep us posted. and good luck!!
I am a wuss. I fully admit this. I don't like chicken kisses, and every bird I was ever around growing up bit me. I have been surprisingly happy and comfortable around my current birds...until now...so...what should I do? I can kind of hold her head and grab the egg I want from under her, then place the duck eggs under her, but I wasn't sure if that might make her reject them...I tried slipping them in once she was asleep...haha...as soon as I walked in she was awake and giving me the evil eye. Option 2 is I can throw her off the nest, close the door, make the quick exchange, then let her back in and hope she doesn't attack me...but again....she might reject the eggs...and option 3: and the least desirable, is to wear my gloves and let her "kiss" the crap out of my hands and arms while I try to make the changes...so...what the crap should I do? I'm about fed up...if she isn't going to sit on eggs that will actually hatch, then I don't want her being broody. lol
