When to worry for ducks?

[Violanna]

I have my first external pip for my ducklings! It pipped last night at 10pm, it is now 2:30pm. Unfortunately I can’t tell if the membrane was pierced. Little one is still wiggling around but no pushing against the shell. So still absorbing the yolk. But when do I get worried and make sure the membrane is pierced? Internal pip was about 36 hours ago or so.

I still haven’t heard any cheeping yet which I’m sad about but I have been talking to my eggs all day! I even played a video of ducklings cheeping to help encourage them. None of the other eggs have popped yet but it’s only day 26 so this one is an early bird. Luckily I locked them down on day 23. Just raised humidity last night however. I’m currently in the process of setting up the brooder! Super excited to see my cuties!

 

[Violanna]

I started to notice some minor bruising and signs of shrink wrap in the little guy, so set up my little humid ‘assist’ nest and cracked his hole a bit. Membrane wasn’t too tight or dry but was tighter than it should be and a tiny bit more yellow than I’d like. Used a dropper to add a tiny dot of water. Little guy is finally peeping and no more yawning. But he was moving for 5 hours with no progress. So he is soooo worn out! Giving him a rest so he can make his way out. I will probably be staying up tonight just incase. Now that I can see inside I can watch the membrane.

Also I now have 2 others with external pips and 6 others shaking their eggs like crazy! Only 2 eggs cheeping so far.