I would help it out if its its time to hatch, if youjust barely break the shellit should be fairly easy.

If you help it out it could make it to where it won't be able to walk. They have to break out of their shell themselves, I don't know how it works, but somehow it strenghthens their little legs and they needto break out of that shell on their own. It is for their own good. It might not hurt to try to peel off a little of the egg, but don't peel off too much...

If the duck hasn't hatched by morning, I would at least peel teh shell off of the head area and let it get out from there, I have done this NUMEROUS times and never had side effects from it, but let them get out of the shell by themselves, but by getting it off the head area, it allows them to breath a little bit easier.

I agree with Shellybabe, Peel off some near the head. That will help the baby be able to break free a lot easier.

ok, I peeled the shell of its head and this morning when I checked he was out. He seems to be doing fine and is starting to dry off. Thanks for all your help!

Great!

I think ducks take a lot longer to hatch than chicks do, too. Glad all's well!

Suzie