Duckling with deformed head?

[Isabella Mcadams]

Have you ever done this before?

Never had to before

 

[Huntmaster]

Will I need to put it down? And if so, what’s the most humane way of doing that?

Sorry to hear about your hatchling a good pair of scissors and decapitation fast and it's over. Sorry again.

 

[Isabella Mcadams]

Sorry to hear about your hatchling a good pair of scissors and decapitation fast and it's over. Sorry again.

All right, thanks for your help guys, really appreciate it

 

[EggSighted4Life]

How should I go about doing so?

Sharp pair of scissors to the neck.. will usually create a cervical dislocation which is considered humane.. It doesn't usually take the whole head off.

Alternatively.. hard when so small.. the broomstick method.. place head under bar held down with your feet and pull on the legs.. head often pops completely off.. still considered humane.. whichever is less tramautic for the keeper is also part of what makes it "humane".

Sorry you face this!

 

[MysteryChicken]

How should I go about doing so?

For chicks, I rip the head off. It's quick, & painless. Alittle messy though. New born Baby chicks, or ducklings are very tender, & it doesn't take much effort.

 

[BelovedBirds]

Never had to before

I'm so sorry.
Awful situation but I think you're doing the bravest thing to ensure this baby doesn't suffer

 

[Wereplatypus]

This article might help you to cull the little one. Sorry for your loss

 

[WVduckchick]

So sorry this happened. Always a risk when hatching, but that doesn’t make it easy to handle. I also agree it was probably a crested gene issue.

The above methods are good for culling, that article gives good pictorial instructions.
For small chicks, I have used an older (strong steel) butcher knife across the neck. Wrap the chick in paper towel first. I hit the knife with a rubber mallet for a quick, humane cull.

I also use the ether method. I save old coffee containers, they work well for this. Outside only, well ventilated area! Spray a paper towel liberally with ether-based starter fluid, quickly put the chick into the paper towel, then put it all into the can, and put the lid on tight. Ether knocks it out quickly, and then it basically dies in its sleep within minutes. Less graphic and brutal, yet effective and humane.

 

[Isabella Mcadams]

The deed’s been done, and I’m glad it was fast. Thanks for y’all’s help