The Most Difficult Hatch Ever!!!!

[Chickie Mamma]

Hello, I have hatched many times but this time was the absolute worst. I could not get the humidity past 65% and they were shrink wrapped in the shell. After playing midwife for 2 days, breaking the shells back, being very careful with the membranes, Misting the eggs through the vent holes, I have 7 adorable ducklings. 2 died shortly after pipping and thats when I
realized the others needed help.

 

[Little Ameraucana Mom]

Sorry to hear this, BUT the ones you got are adorable!!!!

 

[walkswithdog]

GOOD save!!! I hate it when an incubation goes sideways. Sometimes it never is completely clear what all went wrong and the next time it's fine.

A hatch like that is how I learned to help. Glad so many made it! Congrats.

 

[Chickie Mamma]

I've never had any humidity issues before. It was so frustrating

I usually have some temp issues. After realizing after the first 2 that pipped died, I cracked open the egg and noticed the "shrink-wrapping". Every hour I started misting the eggs with warm water and kept the humidity up to 80% or so. Temps stayed good with a quick spray. Then every 2 hours, I picked pieces of the shell off, and peeled a little of the membrane back (where the blood vessels would disappear) VERY nerve- racking!!

Then they did the rest, with ALOT of effort. Yes, 7 out of 12 is still a great hatch, but WOW!!!
My kids think I am a hero, and it was very rewarding in the end