What are the signs that hatching is near?

Thats fantastic. I have been back over the calander and found that mine started to sit most of the time 5th March so i am guessing they will hatch anytime from tomorrow. Perhaps i should listen to one. She gets very upset though so not sure if i should disturb her. Everyone is excited. I think i have everything ready now. Drakes have been moved, covered the bath so they don't drown and replaced with shallow trays of water. [Not sure if this is the right thing to do]?

Just waiting now not knowing what to do.
 
Jayjay, this morning, I put out duckling size food and water containers. I've only had a duck hatch eggs once before and the worst part about being with mom was that mom would mess up the duckling water VERY quickly. I ended up throwing something together that mom couldn't get in and the ducklings could.

You were right to cover the pool and replace it with shallow pans. Just make sure that there is nothing that they can get in and can't get out of. I have a big bucket for the hen to drink from, no way ducklings could get in there before a few weeks of age.

Also, remember that it can take a few days for all of them to hatch. My previous hatch were runners and several females were laying in the nest. The hen sat for 4 days and hatched 10 but left 4 in the nest. I was only able to successfully hatch 1 of those inside. So, be prepared for any possibilities, including a bad mother. Good luck
 
Have checked today, no sign of anything happening yet. I feel like i'm waiting for my children to be born. So excited, hope something happens soon.
 
Okay, so I typed my last post and being the impatient person that I am, went outside to check again.
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I took one of the eggs out from under her and listened to it and it peeped!!!! Didn't see any pips. So I'm guessing any time now.

Oh my gosh I missed this, so exciting to hear. what is going on today?
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The hardest part is the waiting, have you listened to an egg? that may be just what you need to make you feel better. it's an awesome sound..


Have checked today, no sign of anything happening yet. I feel like i'm waiting for my children to be born. So excited, hope something happens soon.
 
I'm still waiting too. I may have underestimated the hatch day. She laid the last egg on March 1st but had been staying on the nest regularly before that. I guess anytime up until the 4th, that will be 35 days since last egg. I don't know how many will hatch, there have been a few times that she was kind of mispositioned on the nest and some of the outer eggs weren't covered.

What's happening with the ducklings, have they hatched yet?
 
The hardest part is the waiting, have you listened to an egg? that may be just what you need to make you feel better. it's an awesome sound..




I listened today but could not hear anything, not sure if this is a bad sign. I am very nervous, being my first time, feel a bit useless at the moment. How long before they hatch can you hear them?
Will listen again tomorrow.

Thank you
 
You can hear ducklings after they externally pip. If you have a chance in the dark to slip out and candle the eggs, look for the air sac to change positions from at the very end flat accros, to a sharp angle away from the fat end. You may also see a beak in the air sac of the egg, when they have pipped internally.

I've never noticed any of my ducks standing over their eggs, but I have noticed them quietly quacking as they babies pip. Most babies get here w/i 24 hours of pipping. Its a slow process with waterfowl.

Rest assured that under a reliable duck mama, your eggs stand a far better chance of hatching than they would in your incubator. Post pics when the babies get here!
 
Oh my gosh I missed this, so exciting to hear. what is going on today?
pop.gif

As of now, still nothing. I worked early today so didn't get to check but I just did and nothing obvious anyway. I will move her tomorrow and see whats going on under there.
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I am really surprised that she has not bitten me or anything yet. She just kind of chirps at me and tries to cover the eggs if I stick my hand in there. I wonder if she'll get a little more protective once they are here.
I have noticed the drake seems a bit more interested in her in the last few days. (she is seperated but he can see her) Don't know if that means anything. Be assured, as soon as I see something pics will come. But Jayjay, I will start my own thread and not hijack yours anymore. LOL
 
Hi,

When i checked today one of the eggs is slightly cracked at one end. Could not hear anything though. It must be almost time now. Mum is not leaving her nest for anything.
 

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