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NEED ADVICE ASAP: At what temperature should I incubate a duckling that hatched early with it's...

post #1 of 4
Thread Starter 

I have baby duck in the incubator on a damp hand towel and am trying to maintain the temperature at around 99 degrees Farenheit. She/he is scootching around some and is very weak but otherwise is doing pretty good all things considered.  

 

Is there anything else I should be doing?   

 

Thanks or your advice :) 


Edited by Kwyjibo - 7/6/12 at 4:59pm
Husband to Bride of Kwyjibo.  Mottled Javas, Dominiques, Buckeyes, & Golden Polish
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Husband to Bride of Kwyjibo.  Mottled Javas, Dominiques, Buckeyes, & Golden Polish
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post #2 of 4

Is it a lone duckling- or are there other eggs still waiting to hatch?

 

 If it is weak- it is better to start getting a brooder ready now- and getting it out of the incubator once it is dry and offer it some water with vitamins in it.  While they can survive in the incubator for 24 hours +  after hatching quite easily as they are absorbing the yolk into their system- giving a weak one access to food and water sooner will mean it gets a bit extra nutrients and sooner. Its sometimes enough to make them pull through as long as nothing else is wrong with it. 

<(" ) TAYLORDUCKS  ( ")>       
<(" )  Breeder of Harlequin and Crested Indian Runners.  ( ")>

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<(" ) TAYLORDUCKS  ( ")>       
<(" )  Breeder of Harlequin and Crested Indian Runners.  ( ")>

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post #3 of 4
Thread Starter 

It is by itself.  All the others did alright.  It isn't dried out because I'm keeping it humid so the yolk sac doesn't tear.  It's too weak to hold it's head up much but the little guy is trying.  He/she isn't able to stand.  He's trying though.  But overall, just weak and shaky......he looks like he needed a couple more days in the egg.  And the yolk sac is/was a pretty good size.  I haven't handled him hardly at all to check how the sac is looking a I don't want to minimize risk of infection.  I'm kind of doubtful that he/she is able to drink or eat at this stage. 

 

I have mama and sibs in the brooder as there isn't a safe place for them in the coop or elsewhere.  He's just too weak for being in a brooder altogether. 

 

I'll try some water w/ Nutri-drench and see if he'll take it.  Should I dry him off?  If he needs to stay in the incubator, what temperature do you reccommend?

 

Thank you for your help :)
 

Husband to Bride of Kwyjibo.  Mottled Javas, Dominiques, Buckeyes, & Golden Polish
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Husband to Bride of Kwyjibo.  Mottled Javas, Dominiques, Buckeyes, & Golden Polish
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post #4 of 4
Thread Starter 

So, I checked his tummy for the yolk sac and to my amazement it's all but gone!  He's peeeping and trying to get about but is very wobbly.  Can't get him to drink yet.  He is sitting up albeit very wobbly.   I'd say he's definitely not ready for the brooder yet.

 

What do you think would be the next step?

 

Thanks again :)

Husband to Bride of Kwyjibo.  Mottled Javas, Dominiques, Buckeyes, & Golden Polish
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Husband to Bride of Kwyjibo.  Mottled Javas, Dominiques, Buckeyes, & Golden Polish
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