Duckling coming out not fully developed

[laurengeeves]

My duck eggs are a few days over due, and only 2 have hatched so far, the first one had a small cord still attached to the egg and him, which absorbed the next day, but the second one hasn't absorbed his yet and it's starting to smell, it's got a lump on his bit of the cord which is more red than the other one, and he seems to be struggling, any opinions? Thanks

 

[Cindysid]

I would go ahead and remove what's left of the cord. I would also try to get some vitamins and electrolytes down him. Is he eating or drinking? Pics would help.

 

[laurengeeves]

 

[laurengeeves]

That's the first duck, which he managed to sort out himself within a day and is 100% fine now, but the other one still has it but the belly bit is a lot redder along with the smell. First chick is eating and drinking but second is obviously stuck in the incubator because he's still attached

 

[Amykins]

This happened with my duck Wobbles. First off you NEED to disinfect the belly button wound. Judging by your photo you can probably snip off the umbilical by now. Rub a bit of neosporin on it with a qtip (not your hands!) and make sure the area is clean. Then, get an eyedropper and mix a quart of water with one crushed B complex pill or niacin pill and some sugar. Then make sure he gets at least a tiny bit into his mouth. I'd do it ASAP since it sounds like he's already starting to get an infection.