Wednesday 11 July 2012

To help or not to help?

I have been watch all day today, as well as keeping a close eye on Chiquita and Iolani I have been watching my duck eggs.  The first four were due to hatch today!

I've never hatched eggs before so I'm not really sure what to expect, but I was expecting my little duck to get out a bit quicker than she (I'm hoping) is doing!!  This is what she looks like at the minute.
I'm am wondering if I should give her a bit of a gentle helping hand?  How will I know if she's tired or stuck, anyone any suggestions.

The weather continues to be good for ducks.  Despite this we still did our spit offs, one sat, one spat, one wouldn't even come in to the mating pen and I'm not quite sure about number four!  She's only young and I don't think she is sure what she is supposed to do.

This afternoon we had a surprise visit from Alan and Margaret, our old farming neighbours, they are great so it was lovely to see them.

Anyway is yet again it's past midnight I'm off to bed!

4 comments:

Weavers Wood Alpacas said...

In my (limited) experience of hatching chicken eggs, I've been told it's best to leave them alone. It can take a little while for them to come out. However I have helped a couple along during the later stages and they did just fine..

Zanzibah Alpacas said...

Its up to you ! I have helped a little in the past...the best thing to do is to make sure they dont dry out...whilst hatching..this makes the shell to hard..and they cant get out...you can mist them slightly if you think its too dry, what ever you do...never pull their fet out as this can cause deformity...let them do this themselves....but I have picked a bigger hole in the egg to help...just alittle.....!! Hope all goes well...with the little ducks.....Jayne

Shirley said...

Best left to force themselves out apparently. Anyway, you are doing a 'cracking' job! Take care. Shirley & Robbie

Apple Vale Alpacas said...

Expect they are all out by now - hope all successful! Jaynes advice sums up what we do - Mrs. Smallholder can't leave them alone, and keeps picking!