Tis Time for a March 2020 Hatch-a-long!

[CluckNDoodle]

How long do you think I will have to wait?

There were so many tiny little veins where it's bill was. Think the 18 gauge sterile needle was just perfect for this little duckling. I'm definitely keeping those on hand for every hatch!

The knitting needle works very well too because it's very long and not pointed at the end It's dull at the end so it doesn't pierce through the membrane. My new little tool

It's going to be hours because there is still a lot of yolk sac but now that the baby is using her lungs it will hasten the process.

Take a deep breath and give yourself a pat on the back! The hard part is over. Now we wait and you gave the duckling the only chance it would have had regardless!

 

[FortCluck]

It's going to be hours because there is still a lot of yolk sac but not that the baby is using her lungs it will hasten the process.

Take a deep breath and give yourself a pat on the back! The hard part is over. Now we wait and you gave the duckling the only chance it would have had regardless!

I am shocked how far down its head was from the air cell... Like a quarter from the pointed end

 

[CluckNDoodle]

Should I pull its bill all the way out?

It's only part way... I can't see it's nostrils just the end of the bill

I wouldn't pull on anything, as long as the membrane isn't stuck to the bill and there is space for oxygen to get inside then it's getting to the nostrils. That's why I don't put oil on that spot so even if right around the bill gets dry I just make sure it curls away from the bill and stays open.

 

[BluebirdHomestead]

I am shocked how far down its head was from the air cell... Like a quarter from the pointed end

You did such an amazing job!!!! I used the ointment last night on my assist and it kept it moist all night! So I’d apply a thin layer in an hour or so when the oil starts drying. I agree just to leave the bill. It probably is just now starting to use its little lungs and that’ll cause the yolk to start absorbing, right?
Again, great job!

 

[BluebirdHomestead]

Just got my little olive egger out of the bator. I’m so in love. It might have a curly toe on one foot but it seems to be getting better by the minute so not going to do anything just yet.

 

[FortCluck]

I wouldn't pull on anything, as long as the membrane isn't stuck to the bill and there is space for oxygen to get inside then it's getting to the nostrils. That's why I don't put oil on that spot so even if right around the bill gets dry I just make sure it curls away from the bill and stays open.

I opened the hole a bit and wiggled it's bill out more to reveal it's nostrils. This little thing is definitely not giving up. Looks like a blackish or silver baby I don't know why at 2 days after 28 it's like this but we are naming it lucky if it lives.

 

[FortCluck]

You did such an amazing job!!!! I used the ointment last night on my assist and it kept it moist all night! So I’d apply a thin layer in an hour or so when the oil starts drying. I agree just to leave the bill. It probably is just now starting to use its little lungs and that’ll cause the yolk to start absorbing, right?
Again, great job!

It's breathing great now and if you put your finger on its bill and pet it it starts nibbling on it

 

[gmjarvi]

It's breathing great now and if you put your finger on its bill and pet it it starts nibbling on it

I know your situation with this egg is less than ideal, but the nibbles are making me so impatient for my duck eggs to hatch and I literally just put them in the bator less than an hour ago

 

[gmjarvi]

Also I mentioned getting a nurture right to my husband and he did not object outright so that was essentially him saying he was on board, right?

 

[FortCluck]

I know your situation with this egg is less than ideal, but the nibbles are making me so impatient for my duck eggs to hatch and I literally just put them in the bator less than an hour ago

I just got rid of all the ducklings except the 3 I chose and this one.

This one is from a mint green shell so I'm hoping it's part runner.