What to do? Have duck egg at Day 29...

[PacificCoastMama]

We rescued a wild (mallard?) duck egg we found in the river. When we candeled it the first time there was nothing, but after seven days in the incubator, it was where it was supposed to be at day 7, so it looked like we found it early. Everything has been going well, but now we are at Day 29 and there’s no sign of movement - what should I do? It’s been in lockdown four days now; I don’t want to take it out and risk the humidity being lowered – I’d had it at 99.5 with a 55-60 humidity for the first 25 days on day 25 we put it up to 70. It’s bounced up to 72/74, but it won’t go higher. Please help - we would so love to help hatch and raise this little one.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Take it out and candle it and post picture. Also post picture of outside of egg in regular light. It won't hurt, just leave the bator closed while you do it.

 

[Isaac 0]

I agree, candle the egg and let us know what you see. Here is a good chart to go by-

https://www.metzerfarms.com/Candling.cfm

 

[PacificCoastMama]

I’m having trouble candling and taking a photo at the same time, but here is a quick photo out of the incubator and back in... from what I can gather when candling, it looks like it is at Day 27ish according to the online photos... we may be a little below the recommended temp by about 1/2 degree or so but have been diligent about the humidity.... for how many days should I keep going? We are on Day 31/32 (32 if counting the first day of incubating when it was getting warmed up. No smell, egg looks fine from the outside, but no sound or movement... shall I decrease humidity to get things moving and evaporated more quickly?

 

[PacificCoastMama]

As an FYI, the sponges were wet, but the napkin is not.

 

[PacificCoastMama]

Day 27ish according to to this one...

 

[Miss Lydia]

@Isaac 0

 

[Isaac 0]

Personally, If the egg doesn't stink I would just leave it in the incubator for a few more days just to be sure. Most likely the egg is a dud if it hasn't hatched in 32 days, but it wouldn't hurt to be sure.

 

[PacificCoastMama]

Should I keep the humidity up in the 70s?

 

[Isaac 0]

Around that area, yes.