Harry Posted May 20, 2020 Share Posted May 20, 2020 I’m a first time Hatcher, on day 28 of incubation. All ducks are popping slightly which is great. One pipped yesterday before midday, and has made quite a bit of progress, but I think he may be bleeding slightly? I’ve attached a picture, can anyone advise me? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Posted May 20, 2020 Author Share Posted May 20, 2020 Is it in pain??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 20, 2020 Share Posted May 20, 2020 I doubt that it is in pain. There's often a slight smear of blood when a chick or duckling hatches, the important thing is not to help it out; they need to make their own way. Keep the shell slightly moist (especially is the atmosphere is so dry right now) so help it get out. Hatching can take some time, which is agony when you're mad keen to see the babies. You do realise that we will expect photos of them when they're out........ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Posted May 20, 2020 Author Share Posted May 20, 2020 Thanks very much @The Dogmother that has really put my mind at ease. Should I open the incubator quickly and spray them with warm water then? I’ll send photos if they make it! Who would’ve thought hatching was so stressful! Finger crossed everything is smooth form here on in 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted May 20, 2020 Share Posted May 20, 2020 Well??!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Posted May 20, 2020 Author Share Posted May 20, 2020 Some news.... said duck has hatched from shell, so I removed the shell form incubator to give some more room. It’s head is still tucked up as if it’s still in the egg and there is a small belly button like feature on its tummy. It’s chirping quite regularly but not as much as I had expected. I think it could be quite premature as none of the other eggs have hatched, just pipped. I’ll attack a photo ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Posted May 20, 2020 Author Share Posted May 20, 2020 Any ideas @The Dogmother?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 20, 2020 Share Posted May 20, 2020 Sorry Harry - I have been busy outdoors. that does look early to me. The little umbilical lump will be where the yolk sac is being absorbed - leave that be and it will go. The little fella should be up and about and drying off. What's he up to now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted May 20, 2020 Share Posted May 20, 2020 I’ve never hatched ducks before - only chickens - but that doesn’t look great to me. They usually lie stillish for a rest for a short while after they make it out of he egg, but then are up and flailing about pretty soon. I did have one with a bit of a ‘belly button’ but it wasn’t as much as what I think I can see on your duckling. How long has it been out of its shell now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Posted May 21, 2020 Author Share Posted May 21, 2020 Unfortunately he passed away during the night. I had not interfered and left him int he incubator to dry off. It was quite upsettting, as a first time Hatcher who has put so much effort into caring for the eggs, but the other 3 eggs are looking promising. Fingers crossed 🤞🏻 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Posted May 21, 2020 Author Share Posted May 21, 2020 Another duckling has hatched and looking much healthier than the previous one. How long do i have to wait until he can come out of the incubator? Many thanks to those who helped me out, especially @The Dogmother 👍🏻👍🏻 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 21, 2020 Share Posted May 21, 2020 That's good. He will need water at first, then crumbs as son as he has absorbed the egg sac. Hopefully you'll have some more very soon as it would be a shame to move him into the brooder on his own. I usually put a teeny bit of diluted NutriDrops in their water to give them a head start when I have chicks. How is the poorly one coming along? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted May 21, 2020 Share Posted May 21, 2020 Leave him in the incubator until he’s fluffed up - ideally you shouldn’t open it while the others are actually hatching anyway as it’ll affect the humidity and could make it difficult for them to get out of their shells. How is he getting on and did any more hatch? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
