Updates on lone mallard hatch!

[TweetyNPetey]

I have one lone Mallard duck egg in the bator. And I hoped so much that it would hatch. Today is day 25, and I have an internal pip!! He shouldn't be doing that until 2 days more! Well, I just wanted you to be here in case anything happened. XD. So I will keep you updated! I am charging my camera, so when I get an external pip, I can start recording the hatch. I am so excited, as this is my first duck hatch. But when he hatches, he's gonna be all alone! I wonder what I can do until I can buy him a duckie friend... Maybe I can put one of my baby chicks with him? Naw, they're too big. They aren't even under the heat lamp anymore. Oh well. I'll figure it out when the time comes.

 

[TweetyNPetey]

No external pip yet, but there is some rocking and rolling going on! I'll update later.

 

[TweetyNPetey]

No peeping. I can't see any more rolling.

Should I candle and look for movement? Or wait longer? The shell is so thick!!! I don't know how the baby's gonna get out!!!

I'll have to wait and see what happens!

 

[TweetyNPetey]

Well, this little guy is strong!! He make a big external pip!! Which is weird, since I can't hear a peep. But He's trying to zip his way out! But I voluenteer at a stable tomorrow, so I won't be able to see the hatch!!!!!! Grrr!!!!

 

[TweetyNPetey]

The duckling broke the shell, but not the thick membrane. So I did that part for him, worried that he won't be able to breathe. So I can see the little beak now. I really thought he was dead when I picked up the egg. I pickled it up, not even a wiggle or a peep. He peeped ONCE as I was putting the egg back. The outer membrane JUST started to turn brown, so I got it wet with a little warm water and put it back in the bator. Filled my water "cup" as much as my Mini Advance will let me, and now hoping for the best. If he doesn't start zipping by tomorrow, should I help him out a bit? At 9PM tonight will be 24 hours since he pipped.

 

[TweetyNPetey]

Still hasn't zipped. It's been almost 36 hours since external pip. I don't hear peeping but I do see movement. What do I do???

 

[TweetyNPetey]

Just started a zip for him. He was banging his beak on the shell, but making no further process. I went about 1/6 of the way around the egg. He's back in the bator now.

 

[ashleycharrette]

Do you have a duckling yet?

 

[TweetyNPetey]

Yes! Wobbles is all cuddled up in a piece of fluffy fabric, sleeping in his brooder.

 

[ashleycharrette]

Ah so darn cute!