Last days of incubation

Incubation is almost finished. Only a few days more. When incubation has started after laying the egg before last we are now on day 28. Hatching can start as soon as on day 29 tot 31. So things are getting very exciting!




* The scales, claws, and beak are becoming firm

* The embryo turns its beak toward the air cell.

* The chorioallantoic cavity lines most of the inside surface of the egg shell.

Growth is happening fast now as well as the ossificationprocess. The embryo is using the left over food in the egg and this creates more space. The almost ready eyas is beginning to prepare for the hatching process.

It is essential the little one takes in the right position for hatching
About three days before hatching, the embryo's head burrows beneath the right shoulder so the beak is positioned under the wing & against the two membranes separating the embryo from the air space at the large end of the shell.
The aircell is getting larger due to evaporation inside the egg.

During the last days before hatching the first down is growing, so the eyas will have some protection after it has hatched. But it will still need all the protection it can get from it's parents.

The lungs have started to develope as well. As soon as the eyas will pip the aircell the lungs will fill itself with oxygen for the very first time.

The hatching process starts 48 hours before the eyas has freed itself from the eggshell. As soon as it pips the membrane to the aircell it wil start "singing". The reaction of the parents on that will be very visible on the refresh! So keep an eye on the webcam!