Is my hatchling in trouble?

livingwithjane · Wednesday at 12:57 PM

Hello,
First time hatching our own ducks. I've read that hatching takes awhile, so I'm trying to be patient. The first duckling pipped externally almost two days ago. I read that it could take up to 48 hours. It still hasn't started zipping. It's breathing and moving it's bill frequently, with breaks I'm between.

My concern is that if you look at it's little upside down bill, it's horizontal. Shouldn't it be vertical if it's going to zip around the wide end of the egg?

When should I intercede and assist?

Miss Lydia · Wednesday at 1:37 PM

@Quatie
@HollowOfWisps
@DuckyDonna
I don't use incubators but if mine I believe I'd turn the egg up so the pip is at the top not the bottom.
That's the fat end of the egg?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/guide-to-assisted-hatching-for-all-poultry.72886/

livingwithjane · Wednesday at 1:44 PM

Miss Lydia said:
@Quatie
@HollowOfWisps
@DuckyDonna
I don't use incubators but if mine I believe I'd turn the egg up so the pip is at the top not the bottom.
That's the fat end of the egg?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/guide-to-assisted-hatching-for-all-poultry.72886/

Yes, fat end.

Miss Lydia · Wednesday at 1:50 PM

Hopefully, these seasoned hatchers will be here soon to help. I go the easy way and let my Muscovy hatch.

HollowOfWisps · Wednesday at 2:05 PM

How long since it's bill started peaking out of the external pip? When they pip like that I reach in quick and spin the egg a little so the pip is on the side.

Miss Lydia · Wednesday at 2:11 PM

HollowOfWisps said:
How long since it's bill started peaking out of the external pip? When they pip like that I reach in quick and spin the egg a little so the pip is on the side.

so not top but side thank you.

livingwithjane · Wednesday at 2:12 PM

HollowOfWisps said:
How long since it's bill started peaking out of the external pip? When they pip like that I reach in quick and spin the egg a little so the pip is on the side.

Two days

HollowOfWisps · Wednesday at 2:13 PM

livingwithjane said:
Two days

Is it still chewing and yawning?

livingwithjane · Wednesday at 2:22 PM

HollowOfWisps said:
Is it still chewing and yawning?

Yes

HollowOfWisps · Wednesday at 2:36 PM

livingwithjane said:
Yes

That is odd for sure. Since it's bill is through the external membrane it actually has started un-zipping, but if it's still chewing and yawning it got a little hasty with starting the process before the yolk was fully absorbed (also possible malposition). If it's been a full 48 hours then I would start by peeling a small piece of shell off, let it sit for another 2-3 hours then pull another piece off. After you remove a piece of shell take plain original Neosporin (you can also use Vaseline, coconut oil, olive oil etc) on a q tip and lightly coat any exposed membrane to keep it from sticking. If you see veins stop and wait for them to recede before pulling off any more shell. With it still chewing and yawning you want to remove the shell in small pieces allowing time in-between for the yolk time to finish absorbing.

Is my hatchling in trouble?

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