Ducks Pipped Early!

[ParksPoultry]

This is my first time hatching ducklings. I’ve hatched many chicks so I’m very familiar with my incubators.

I should note the breeds: Welsh Harlequin and Runner hens, and Welsh Harlequin Drake. Yesterday was day 24 of incubation. I went to check on the internal hygrometers and to my shock I saw an external pip. I immediately removed the eggs to take out the turner and returned the eggs back to the incubator. Today is day 25 and most are externally pipped. Temperatures were constant and read the same as the built-in temperature reading as well as the little ones inside of the incubator. Two have even piped in the wrong side of the egg, but are getting air… I’m assuming this was because the turner was still in the incubator?

They seem to be doing well but I’m just shocked it was so early.
What are your thoughts?

 

[cheezenkwackers]

They can take 48 hours from external pip to hatch. They would only be hatching a day early then. Your temperature or humidity might be a little high. Ducks take longer than chickens to hatch after pip.

 

[ParksPoultry]

They can take 48 hours from external pip to hatch. They would only be hatching a day early then. Your temperature or humidity might be a little high. Ducks take longer than chickens to hatch after pip.

Okay thank you. Most are hatched and the rest are pipped! I lost one into hatch… I think it ran out of air in the aircell so I’ve been watching them closely. They do seem sticky so I’m assuming the humidity reading is not correct.

Should I set my eggs on day 23 then? I think the turning is what made some of my ducklings hatch from the wrong side of the egg.

 

[cheezenkwackers]

Okay thank you. Most are hatched and the rest are pipped! I lost one into hatch… I think it ran out of air in the aircell so I’ve been watching them closely. They do seem sticky so I’m assuming the humidity reading is not correct.

Should I set my eggs on day 23 then? I think the turning is what made some of my ducklings hatch from the wrong side of the egg.

I’m glad they are doing well. Turning late in the game is not necessary so yes, you can stop early.