Should I help?

[Brookem51887]

hello! First time hatcher here! Mom abandoned her next and estimated hatch day is Monday or Tuesday. These are mallard ducks. I made a homemade incubator and momma instincts kicked into high gear to make sure these little guys had a fighting chance. We started with 8, down to 4. I candled this morning and no change from last night on this particular one. The other three have not yet broken through the air cell, however, this one appears to have done so. Or maybe it is trying to and can't? What are your thoughts on this photo? Thank you!

 

[SuperMell]

Have you read through https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/i-have-no-idea-what-i-am-doing.1174714/ loads of good advice on hatching abandoned mallard eggs.

 

[Brookem51887]

Have you read through https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/i-have-no-idea-what-i-am-doing.1174714/ loads of good advice on hatching abandoned mallard eggs.

Thank you!!

 

[Matcha34]

Some are born a bit later than the " due date".
Can you hear it chirping? Or is it silent. If it is chirping it is probably ok but keep an eye on it, make sure it is humid enough
good luck xx

 

[Brookem51887]

Some are born a bit later than the " due date".
Can you hear it chirping? Or is it silent. If it is chirping it is probably ok but keep an eye on it, make sure it is humid enough
good luck xx

No chirping yet. I'm worried that the wrong part of the duckling is. In the air sac and that it's backwards as I haven't yet seen anything "sharp"

 

[Brookem51887]

Have you read through https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/i-have-no-idea-what-i-am-doing.1174714/ loads of good advice on hatching abandoned mallard eggs.

Thank you

 

[Matcha34]

You could always try to make a small artificial pipping hole for it to just get it started
Just make sure the hole I'd where the air sack is xx

 

[Matcha34]

Oh, and just let it take its time. I had silkieneggs and some where 3 days over the "due date" but now they are running around like all the other chickens .

 

[SuperMell]

@Ravynscroft @WVduckchick saw your great advice on Steven's duckling thread & hope you can help here.

 

[chickens really]

Until one of them respond?.... Do not do anything to the egg....Assisting too early will cause too many problems...Keep waiting...Ducklings know how to hatch....