Me again - Maybe a hatching problem?

[FAFOfarm]

I know ducklings can take forever compared to chicks.

I know it can take 24-48 hours after pipping BUT the outer shell has come off.
The membrane or second layer of shell look dried out. My humidity level is 71%.
Is it supposed to be that dried out? I am worried they cant get through. I did assist with emergency air hole after the 24 hour benchmark was reached and they barely pushed through.

 

[FAFOfarm]

I've decided to leave them alone for as long as possible given the nature of how long ducks take to hatch. The air holes are only so large because the shell literally fell off. I didn't even want to touch them but after reading so much I was terrified they would suffocate. Any advice is appreciated!

 

[KathiQuacks]

How long has it been since the safety hole? That hole is acting as the first pip, so it will take 24-48 hours after that.

It looks alright to me. The membrane will turn yellow when it’s really drying out. The hole is a good window into seeing how the baby’s doing. You’ll know when they’re trying to hatch, because they’ll be moving about wildly and making lots of noise.

 

[FAFOfarm]

How long has it been since the safety hole? That hole is acting as the first pip, so it will take 24-48 hours after that.

It looks alright to me. The membrane will turn yellow when it’s really drying out. The hole is a good window into seeing how the baby’s doing. You’ll know when they’re trying to hatch, because they’ll be moving about wildly and making lots of noise.

Perfect! Thank you so much! It's only been like 5 hours, so I figured it would take longer. I was just worried about it being dry! They are breathing and wiggling

 

[FAFOfarm]

I have a duckling this morning! My other duckling has pipped a bigger hole, is moving and breathing. I am just observing. Hooray!

 

[KathiQuacks]

How’s it going now?

 

[FAFOfarm]

How’s it going now?

Duckling is here! I left her alone all day but I could tell she was struggling about an hour and a half go. She was like half shrink wrapped. I used a soft paint brush and warm water. She then popped out in my hands!

 

[KathiQuacks]

Duckling is here! I left her alone all day but I could tell she was struggling about an hour and a half go. She was like half shrink wrapped. I used a soft paint brush and warm water. She then popped out in my hands!

Yay! Very good baby And good job to you, too.

 

[FAFOfarm]

Yay! Very good baby And good job to you, too.

Thank you so much! It's my first duckling hatch and I was a wreck. LOL I think I was less nervous birthing my children.