[CameronS]

Just wondering, how long should a duck take to hatch, it has been "hatching" now for well over a day
the duckling had now got a hole through the shell, and i can see it's bill,  but other than that it is making no efort to break free.

When should i call the shots and help it out??

[jameslindsay]

Cameron this is where everyone will tell you different methods. It can take several days before they are out, are they early? If the chick seems to be ok I would leave it a bit yet but if you think it is too tired then give a helping hand. The trouble is if it gets out too early it can be very weak, although saying that I have helped some out which I later thought was too early and they have all lived to be healthy ducks. Good luck.

[Daisys Mum]

I would be tempted to give it a bit of a hand, you don't have to completely remove the shell, I usually just gently try to break a line round the middle and then give it a little while longer. I haven't lost any that have been helped out.

[CameronS]

It seems to be making more of an effort now the shell has been broken for it,  shall keep you posted      

[CameronS]

Out now, but not very well,  has had a drink of luke warm water from a spoon, and is dry, fingers crossed for it

[Sharondp]

How's it doing?

[CameronS]

Still hanging on in their, odds are either way at the moment,   

[Pony-n-trap]

I helped 5 of my 6 ducks out of their shells then left them quietly in the incubator til the next day, popped them in the brooder and they are now 8 weeks old, outside and doing just fiine.

Fingers crossed duckie makes it!! 

[jameslindsay]

Cameron try feeding it the yoke of a hard boiled egg, apparantly this is good for them. Apparantly it gives them a good start regardless.

[doganjo]

I'll be needing some help soon.  A friend wants some ducks and was going to have a dozen eggs from my ducks, but he and his wife are now going on holiday, returning just after they would be due to hatch.  So he is bringing the incubator to me for me to look after them.  When do I candle them and how do I do it?  It is a Brinsea Octagon 10, and I ahve printed off the user instructions.

[jameslindsay]

Annie normally candle between 7 and 10 days. After 10 days spray the eggs daily with water thats at room temperature. You can have the eggs out of the incubator for 15 minutes at the most. That's all there is to it, good luck and enjoy the experience.

[doganjo]

OK, next question - what's the oldest egg I can use for setting? I'm sometimes getting 2 a day from my two girls, so the 11 I have at present are over the last 6 days.

[jameslindsay]

I think they say 10/12 days is ok. I certainly have hatched some that have been laid about 8 days before going in the incubator.

[CameronS]

Alive and well