First, :welcome !
Second, Muscovy are usually amazing mothers! I'd leae the babies with her, but keep her separated from the flock until they're a bit older, especially in the coop. You don't want them to get trampled.
Oh Heather, I'm so sorry!!! 🫂
You did amazing with him, don't beat yourself up. He may have had something wrong with him which is why he was so late in hatching. You showed him love and trust and gave him the chance to see a bit of the big world. 🫂
Awww! What an adorable bunch! I personally think that ducklings are much cuter than chicks. ;)
I'm always terrified when I check eggs that haven't hatched of just this scenario. Hopefully help is on the way!
Ducklings are adventurous, and honestly will soon not stay under the plate except at night. With duck-raised babies, they rarely huddle under mom, unlike chicks.
Can't wait to see yours!
I personally use a somewhat large needle (dipped in alcohol and wiped dry first) and the back of a butter knife to gently tap into the shell. Others use a screw. I get perfect little puncture holes with this.
Oh, and duck egg shells are MUCH harder than chicken eggs!
At this point, it doesn't really matter from what I've read. I've had eggs that I kept turning hatch early, and some that lockdowned early and hatched fine too.
As for the air cells, mine at least dip much lower than that prior to hatch if that's any comfort. :)