Weird guinea egg... day 18

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

I forgot to mention that the aircell is still upside down, but it has grown a lot in size and gotten bigger. There is no signs of shadowing or internally pipping and I’m not even sure if this egg will do that? I will post pictures of it later. Thanks

I think that the internal pip would depend on whether the keet is oriented towards the big end of the egg or the pointy end. I would guess that it it’s beak is towards the pointy end, then you will see an internal pip in the aircell, and will probably need to assist about 24 hr later, as I doubt that the keet can successfully hatch itself from the pointy end. If it is oriented towards the large end with no aircell, it would need to penetrate the shell and essentially its external pip and internal pip would need to be the same pip. I’m not sure where you would make a safety hole in this case, without knowing which way the keet is oriented. Assisting keets is pretty much like assisting other poultry. Maybe you could post on the incubation forum to see what those most experienced with assisted hatching would do? Duck keepers seem to me like some of the most successful and experienced with hatching assist. Maybe some of the duck people you know would have good suggestions? Hope it goes well!!!

 

[FunnyfarmMidwest]

If the egg is going to hatch, it will internally pip prior to making an external pip. It may not internally pip for as many as 3 more days.

Regardless of all the do not open the incubator during lockdown warnings, it is okay to open the incubator during lockdown. Keep the openings brief and allow the temperature and humidity to stabilize between openings.

It is not an absolute requirement to raise the humidity for lockdown for a single egg. I have had keets and poults hatch in my cabinet incubator while under incubation parameters and even while the auto turner was running. I don't recommend keeping an auto turner on.

Thank you much for your great reply and all your help. It has helped me to better understand what I’m going to do. I’m really rooting for this egg to make it. I think I will briefly open the incubator each day to turn my other eggs. Should I spray this egg with water when I open the incubator just to make sure the humidity doesn’t fluctuate too much? My humidity usually goes back up to the right number very quickly so I don’t think that will be much of a problem. This is new territory for me so I’m nervous. I have assisted many ducklings before, is assisting guineas about the same process as assisting ducklings?

 

[R2elk]

Thank you much for your great reply and all your help. It has helped me to better understand what I’m going to do. I’m really rooting for this egg to make it. I think I will briefly open the incubator each day to turn my other eggs. Should I spray this egg with water when I open the incubator just to make sure the humidity doesn’t fluctuate too much? My humidity usually goes back up to the right number very quickly so I don’t think that will be much of a problem. This is new territory for me so I’m nervous. I have assisted many ducklings before, is assisting guineas about the same process as assisting ducklings?

Do not spray the eggs with water. The evaporation will cool the eggs down.

Assisting a hatch is pretty much the same no matter what kind of egg it is.

 

[FunnyfarmMidwest]

I think that the internal pip would depend on whether the keet is oriented towards the big end of the egg or the pointy end. I would guess that it it’s beak is towards the pointy end, then you will see an internal pip in the aircell, and will probably need to assist about 24 hr later, as I doubt that the keet can successfully hatch itself from the pointy end. If it is oriented towards the large end with no aircell, it would need to penetrate the shell and essentially its external pip and internal pip would need to be the same pip. I’m not sure where you would make a safety hole in this case, without knowing which way the keet is oriented. Assisting keets is pretty much like assisting other poultry. Maybe you could post on the incubation forum to see what those most experienced with assisted hatching would do? Duck keepers seem to me like some of the most successful and experienced with hatching assist. Maybe some of the duck people you know would have good suggestions? Hope it goes well!!!

That makes a lot of sense. Thanks much. Im not sure which way the keet is orientated but i will try to see when I candle tonight. I can tell you then when I candle I can see the foot is facing upwards but that could change. I think that the head is near the bottom where the air cell would be. I will make a thread on the incubation forum.
I’m experienced with helping ducklings but never guineas so someone more knowledgeable would definitely helpful. I really appreciate all your help! Still keeping my fingers crossed, and hoping for the best! I will be posting more if or when when it internally/Externally pips. I don’t think I’ve ever been so nervous for anything before.

 

[FunnyfarmMidwest]

Do not spray the eggs with water. The evaporation will cool the eggs down.

Assisting a hatch is pretty much the same no matter what kind of egg it is.

Ok I will make sure not to do that. I’ve never tried it but I’ve heard of people doing that to keep the humidity back up after opening the incubator. Thanks for your advice I don’t know what I’d do without your help. Sounds like I will be ok with the assistance I will make sure to read Pyxis’s article again first.

 

[R2elk]

Ok I will make sure not to do that. I’ve never tried it but I’ve heard of people doing that to keep the humidity back up after opening the incubator. Thanks for your advice I don’t know what I’d do without your help. Sounds like I will be ok with the assistance I will make sure to read Pyxis’s article again first.

There is nothing wrong with spraying a mist in the incubator, just don't spray it directly on the eggs.

 

[FunnyfarmMidwest]

There is nothing wrong with spraying a mist in the incubator, just don't spray it directly on the eggs.

Got it. Thanks. I will definitely avoid doing that.

 

[FunnyfarmMidwest]

I did candle the egg this morning and get some pictures. I will try to explain how the baby is positioned to the best of my ability.

It’s feet are to the left side and its head is on the right side with its back parallel to the air cell *Pointy end* and it’s front side facing where the aircell is supposed to be on the bottom. I don’t know if this description makes sense because it’s hard to explain. I know that it’s positioning might change closer to hatch day. I really hope it hatches.

 

[R2elk]

I did candle the egg this morning and get some pictures. I will try to explain how the baby is positioned to the best of my ability. View attachment 2314176It’s feet are to the left side and its head is on the right side with its back parallel to the air cell *Pointy end* and it’s front side facing where the aircell is supposed to be on the bottom. I don’t know if this description makes sense because it’s hard to explain. I know that it’s positioning might change closer to hatch day. I really hope it hatches.

It appears that the air cell is drawing down which is a good sign. You may see an internal pip by tomorrow.

 

[FunnyfarmMidwest]

It appears that the air cell is drawing down which is a good sign. You may see an internal pip by tomorrow.

Yes I do believe you’re right! The air cell has been drawing down on one side since yesterday! I really hope this keet internally pips soon! I’m keeping my fingers crossed and sitting on my hands trying to be patient. If I was home I’d be watching the incubator like a hawk. I have a nurture right 360, do you think it’s alright if I just unplug the turner and don’t take it out since I have to turn it back on once this one is done.