Zipping 'wrong way'

[Ricechristy]

hi all does it matter what way they zip? We have some ducklings hatching now and this is the first time we have got this far (due to a power cut last time) I'm worried that the duckling is going the wrong way and is drying out as there is some discolouring. I am trying not to open the incubator as I don't want to affect the others but it is taking all my will not to go and get it out!

 

[Pyxis]

The membrane does look a little dry. What's the humidity at? How long has it been externally pipped?

 

[Ricechristy]

It's been about 36 hours. It was a full 24 before he/she started to zip but I did notice some red on the membrane so wondered if it was taking its time. Last night I used a straw to add water underneath and to wet the egg but still no progress this morning. Egg number 2 has half zipped and stopped too. I have now given in and unpeeled some of the shell and added a sponge and it seems to be pushing with renewed vigour but I don't know whether I should have helped it or not and if I should help the other

 

[Pyxis]

The one that started zipping and stopped needs help. A duckling will never stop in a zip once it starts. It's stuck and possibly shrink wrapped. I suspect the first one is too. You can finish the zip for the second one that started and stopped, and for the one that is now at 36 hours, I would open the egg over the air cell to see what's going on in there.

 

[Ricechristy]

I've opened them a little bit stopped as there was some blood. I've put them back in and will keep an eye. Egg two is trying to stretch out now

 

[Ricechristy]

So all three that pipped last night stopped zipping. I can't check the humidity on my bator but can only assume it was too low. I unzipped each one and then put them back. All three have now hatched. I've got three more still in but the are now late on so don't know if they will or not

 

[Pyxis]

Fantastic that the three are doing well! I would add more water and get a hygrometer so going forward you can measure the humidity.

Are the others pipped yet?

 

[Ricechristy]

I added more water underneath and wet the sponge inside (all through a straw lol) I've come home tonight to a cheeping egg. When I've looked just now there is the tinyest pip so small I want sure if it was a bit of fluff. It's really rocking around and alternately peeping and tapping. I am trying my hardest not to interfere and open the incubator