Call Ducks

nikkiru

Hatching
Mar 25, 2025
2
0
2
HELP> This is my first time hatching call ducks or anything for that matter. Today marks day 30 in incubation. We got 1 of 5 eggs hatched just over 48 hours ago. Then came 2,3&4 24 hours later. Last egg has piped maybe tried to zip a little over 24 hours ago. I noticed slight movement in the egg last night around 11pm. Today on day 30 and 24 hours later I have seen no movement and no more progress. The first duckling has been in incubator now 48 hours and I know I need to move them to their new home but have been told that if I open the incubator that I will or could possibly shrink wrap and kill final egg #5. So here is the question.
Do I wait it out or can I take ducklings 1-4 out and leave #5 in there or final question do I remove babies and assist in final egg and hope its alive?

TIA
 
I added a picture. The humidity is at 65% don’t worry the humidity lols worse only because the other babies are moving around more today
 

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Call ducks often need assistance hatching due to their short bills (unable to position properly to pip/zip). Lots of threads and youtube videos on this topic: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/assisting-call-duck-hatches.76507/

I also regularly open the incubator really quickly to get dried chicks out and have not had issues as long as it's quick and humidity is adequate.

I suspect this chick may need some help.
 
HELP> This is my first time hatching call ducks or anything for that matter. Today marks day 30 in incubation. We got 1 of 5 eggs hatched just over 48 hours ago. Then came 2,3&4 24 hours later. Last egg has piped maybe tried to zip a little over 24 hours ago. I noticed slight movement in the egg last night around 11pm. Today on day 30 and 24 hours later I have seen no movement and no more progress. The first duckling has been in incubator now 48 hours and I know I need to move them to their new home but have been told that if I open the incubator that I will or could possibly shrink wrap and kill final egg #5. So here is the question.
Do I wait it out or can I take ducklings 1-4 out and leave #5 in there or final question do I remove babies and assist in final egg and hope its alive?

TIA
Personally I would assist. As far as taken the rest out. It’s debatable. I just had a call duck hatch three days early, they have enough to hold them off for three days. If I didn’t take him out I don’t think he would have survived. So out he came while the others are finishing. I do assist all my calls. In fear of them running out of air while in the shell. I can help you assist if you need someone. Sometimes it’s best to read about it but sometimes having some walk you through is ever better. It a slow process that shouldn’t be rushed or scared of attempting. It’s saving a little life. So I would be here every step of you want to assist.
 

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