The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: nickif on March 18, 2011, 10:44:22 am

Title: Duckling pipped too early. What should I do?
Post by: nickif on March 18, 2011, 10:44:22 am

Hi, this is my 1st post so be gentle with me. I have checked on my eggs this morning ready to turn them as only day 23 only to find one has pipped and I can hear cheeping. What should I do? Should I turn the others as usual? Will the pipped egg be viable? Any answers/advice greatly appreciated. Nicki

Title: Re: Duckling pipped too early. What should I do?
Post by: doganjo on March 18, 2011, 10:49:27 am

I wouldn't turn them unless you take that one out first, keep it level, then turn, then put it back, assuming you are turning manually.  It was maybe already started when they went in - no ideas how though unless they are from your own birds and Mum had sat for a day or so.  Or - is it a duck - not a chicken?  Eggs can look similar.  I had one pipped early but it died when fully out as it still had a lot of yolk sac attached.  HTH

Title: Re: Duckling pipped too early. What should I do?
Post by: nickif on March 18, 2011, 12:23:40 pm

I have taken your advice and turned the rest. Not had this problem before. I purchased the eggs from eBay so cannot understand why it is happening early. Am just going to hope for the best. Nicki

Title: Re: Duckling pipped too early. What should I do?
Post by: doganjo on March 18, 2011, 05:20:50 pm

The reasoning is that it might have drowned in what liquid was left in the shell if you had turned it with the others.  Just wait and see if it comes out altogether but if it looks like it is struggling you can break some of the shell around the top to help a little.  Ebay eggs are no different to others - sometimes if they have broodies they are already part hatched.

Title: Re: Duckling pipped too early. What should I do?
Post by: nickif on March 18, 2011, 10:49:17 pm

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Just had a peek through the incy window and hatching seems to be progressing. Trying not to get too excited. Nicki

Title: Re: Duckling pipped too early. What should I do?
Post by: nickif on March 18, 2011, 11:05:24 pm

Mystery solved. Duckling not too early. It's a chick!!! Nicki

Title: Re: Duckling pipped too early. What should I do?
Post by: doganjo on March 19, 2011, 01:42:55 am

Ha ha ha,  I DID ask the question! The beak is usually a good clue he he ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D  Glad all is OK!

Title: Re: Duckling pipped too early. What should I do?
Post by: nickif on March 22, 2011, 11:12:06 am

1st trout Indian runner duckling hatched at 9.30 this morning  ;D :&>

Title: Re: Duckling pipped too early. What should I do?
Post by: doganjo on March 22, 2011, 11:48:25 am

Great news - need photos now! ;D