What is happening?!?!

[Jrbd82]

I’m really freaking out because I have 18 Saxony duck eggs in my incubator right now and I have 11 which have pipped. And they’re all looking like this… Eggshell coming off but membrane intact. I have never had this happen before and I’m afraid I’m going to lose the whole hatch. What do I do? There is no packing or prodding at the part of membrane where you can see like it normally would if they were trying to hatch

 

[Jrbd82]

Welp. Not the one I was worried about but we have one that has arrived. The one in question looks like it’s trying to make his debut! I think it’s going to be OK!

 

[Jrbd82]

Decided to wait a bit longer before intervening- here’s my little trouble maker. Continuing this thread for any one like me looking to see how things turn out

 

[Jrbd82]

They can breathe through the membrane, so I wouldn't worry about it yet. How long has it been with no progress?

They just pipped today lol

 

[Jrbd82]

OK. So it’s been more than 48 hours since she pipped and this is currently what it looks like. Should I go in for the assist? I was sure when I went to bed last night I would wake up to her being here.

 

[Jrbd82]

Did she make it out okay on her own?
Congrats on your babies! Very cute! I'd love to see photos once they're all fluffed up!

She did!! This is the slowest hatch I’ve ever had! Never havs the counts made it to “0” before! Lol I guess Ive been spoiled by quick pippers and zippers! Must’ve been praying for patience

 

[Jrbd82]

I would give her about an hour or so to dry off a bit, then transfer the hatchlings to the warmth of the brooder, it looks pretty cramped in there with all those fluffs and eggs!!

I’ve always been afraid to do that while some are in the midst of a hatching, but @MGG has made me see the error of my ways!

 

[Jrbd82]

That's good you can do that. My flashlight isn't that great so I usually have to pull them out to check.

OK. I opened it pull the egg out and the duck is still alive. I have enough other ones pipped that I hope that I didn’t cause for shrink wrapping and kill all my babies

 

[MGG]

OK. I opened it pull the egg out and the duck is still alive. I have enough other ones pipped that I hope that I didn’t cause for shrink wrapping and kill all my babies

That's good to know. Just keep an eye on them now and wait.
It won't cause any problems. I open my incubator a lot at lockdown, unless it's open for more than an hour straight it will not shrinkwrap your eggs.

 

[BelovedBirds]

View attachment 3051035Welp. Not the one I was worried about but we have one that has arrived. The one in question looks like it’s trying to make his debut! I think it’s going to be OK!

Congrats!!! I hope the others follow shortly- one hatchling can start a revolution- get's all the others inspired lol