Time to help or wait it out??

[ccook06]

I have 3 Pekin eggs in lockdown, today is day 28. All three pipped between 24 & 26 hours ago, they are all very chatty and are very actively tapping away. However, they are really not making any progress. They have not been able to zip at all, just stick their adorable little bills out of the current holes and peep loudly. One in particular is starting to sound a little angry lol.

So do I step in and try to help or just keep waiting it out?

 

[rossfam06]

I'm in your shoes but with a chick that's pipped over 30 hours ago.its still cheeping but does not do anything else.

 

[ccook06]

I gave it another hour but then I couldn't stand it anymore and I jumped in to help and I am glad I did. The loudest of the three had managed to zip about half way around but didn't get all the way through the shell. I peeled the shell off over the air cell and put a damp paper towel around the opening and an hour later he/she was out. I made the pip holes big enough on the other two to peek inside better and since there were still small veins not fully absorbed I gave them til this morning.

As of an hour ago all three are here and doing well! The last one to hatch has a bit of umbilical cord still attached that bled a little so I put some corn starch on it and put him in a separate area so the other two wouldn't hurt him.

I am so happy they are here!

 

[ccook06]

 

[WVduckchick]

Congrats! I wouldn't worry about ducks pipping and resting for 40+ hours, and they also take longer to fully zip. 24 hours is nothing to a duck. LOL But it looks like it all worked out well for you, so I'm happy for you. Cute little boogers you have there.

Edit to add -- Call ducks are an exception to my comment!