Hi.. I just had my first hatched duck die and wanted to write in case someone else is searching for solutions: Its sad but here goes: Duck was upside down/breech and couldn't hatch. I gently peeled away and broke bits of the outer shell. He still couldn't get out and I ultimately took him from the incubator with part of the shell still attached because he was banging his head on everything. A major problem with this 'upside down' was that any humidity was making him drown in more moisture and causing the membrane pieces to stick. Once out he was then stuck to the towel (the next day) but still alive and I had the towel over a heating pad. I gradually unstuck him and he learned to walk, drink, and eat. There were pieces of goop and shell still stuck to his bottom though and he hadn't pooped after the third day. I believe this and a chill followed by me trying to heat him up too fast is what caused his death. I should have put him in warm water after two days and let the egg soften up. I was under the impression that the bits would wear off and after so much advice not to swim them too soon I avoided putting his butt in water. Maybe it can help someone though who thinks the goop and egg bits are harmless- they can block the ducky from pooping and cause major problems :/
