Help! Gosling had trouble hatching and now can't walk/feet curled

I'm hoping someone here can help with a Gosling concern?

So over the last week we've been closely monitoring a clutch of African goslings that one of our ducks is on. Momma goose is on her own nest she only recently started.

Anyway, after an internal pip a few days ago, my husband added a safety hole and we kept monitoring. Yesterday morning it had its chest free, but head and bottom was still stuck, and egg was a little dry. So we had to assist in getting his head free. Last night he was totally hatched and resting. This morning he was away from the broody duck and eggs, cold and in a corner. So we brought him in to the brooder. He was weak and tired but drank and slept and now is much more alert and trying to walk.

Problem is, he can't seem to get his feet. He stumbles and falls and scoots around. He seems to keep his feet curled instead of open. They seem weak and a bit floppy. Is this something that will get better the longer he's out, or should I be concerned. I thought about making a cardboard shoe for him, but not sure. Also I know it has drank but haven't seen it eat.

What's going on with this little dude?



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I don't know about goslings, but riboflavin or vitamin B2 deficiency can cause similar symptoms in chickens. Get some poultry vitamins right away to add to the water. Vitamin BComplex can also help. Post on the goose thread also.

Eggcessive said:

I don't know about goslings, but riboflavin or vitamin B2 deficiency can cause similar symptoms in chickens. Get some poultry vitamins right away to add to the water. Vitamin BComplex can also help. Post on the goose thread also.

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Thank you! I'm going to grab some vitamins and electrolytes tomorrow. He's freshly hatched, so I can't imagine a deficiency already. His parents are very healthy so he got a good start. All his yolk was absorbed as well. I think the eggs had fluctuating humidity, as the egg was very dry and he needed assistance breaking out eventually. I have started misting the remaining eggs that have internally pipped so hopefully they do better.

He is stronger tonight, and is taking wobbly steps up on his feet now. One foot is straightening out nicely the other is still a bit curled.

I can't say for sure he's eating, although I saw a bit of crumble crumbs in the waterer so I'm hoping that means he ate some.

I did also post in goose thread.

Thought I would update! Little guy is doing great!

@aduckstolemyheart