24 HOURS AND MALLARD DUCKLING STILL CAN'T LIFT HIS HEAD.. NEED HELP QUICK

[sjaksec]

REPOSTING this in this thread -

this guy was assisted out about 24 hours ago and looked pretty good. spent all day on his side, but active. noticed he had a big umbilical last night that looks like a dark smaller mass now. ive been able to get drops of nutrients into him, and he's fluffed out and good size, but he's still on his side and cant lift his head. anyone seen this before? If I can keep the fluids going in, might he make it? I havent seen him poop yet, and wondering if that big umbilical may be representaive of a problem. the space on his abdomen appears to be a bit of an opening last night that is smaller this morning and looks almost normal. he's peeping and moving his wings. just cant get off his side/back. any ideas would be greatly appreciated. 4 eggs, only one made it so far and he's healthy and growing. these are abandoned mallard eggs and the healthy guy sure could use a buddy to hang with. just gave him a few more drops and he's active but eyes not open. back on his side. im confused because it appears he's growing in size, but hasnt pooped yet. could it be because he's just getting fluids?

 

[sheila d strals]

the duckling still lift his head after hatching. whats wrong with him

 

[Amiga]

Only other thing I can think of is trying the Hatch Day thread, see if any experienced hatchers can help.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...own-as-hatch-day-is-today/38150#post_11441154

 

[Going Quackers]

I would probably try posting this on the emergency section. I had two premature scovies hatch but they did finally come around, took longer than other birds but i have no experience with what your saying, being wild too i am not sure if there could be an under laying concern that you would know nothing of.

Good luck!