3 day old duckling swollen belly button and can’t walk

[Breemae123]

My Muscovy hatched 4/25 eggs fine and they’re healthy but then she abandoned her nest when several others had internally pipped. After 24 hours of no progress we assisted hatching.

One of the ducklings yolk sac detached quickly and now his belly is swollen 3 days later. He isn’t walking or lifting his head. He eats a lot but I have to hold his head up while he eats (starter and cooked chicken yolk).

Other than adding vitamins to the water, keeping him warm and giving him cooked yolk for protein. What else can I do? Is it worth continuing what we are doing when he seems so miserable or it possible he will survive?

 

[casportpony]

My Muscovy hatched 4/25 eggs fine and they’re healthy but then she abandoned her nest when several others had internally pipped. After 24 hours of no progress we assisted hatching.

One of the ducklings yolk sac detached quickly and now his belly is swollen 3 days later. He isn’t walking or lifting his head. He eats a lot but I have to hold his head up while he eats (starter and cooked chicken yolk).

Other than adding vitamins to the water, keeping him warm and giving him cooked yolk for protein. What else can I do? Is it worth continuing what we are doing when he seems so miserable or it possible he will survive?

Welcome to BYC! Wow, that looks pretty serious. Is it pooping?

 

[Breemae123]

It has pooped, yes. This morning I wasn’t lucky enough to see him poop but not since this morning.

 

[casportpony]

It has pooped, yes. This morning I wasn’t lucky enough to see him poop but not since this morning.

Pooping is a good sign. Did the yolk break, or did the belly button not close properly?

 

[house.of.ducks]

JI would keep doing what you’re doing. I’ve never hatched eggs myself but in my opinion is always worth giving the little guys a chance. If he’s eating and pooping he could make it, and what you’re doing seems to be perfect. Keep us updated.

Oh and

 

[Breemae123]

Pooping is a good sign. Did the yolk break, or did the belly button not close properly?

I don’t think the yolk broke but my husband assisted with this hatching. I think it just didn’t close properly. The swelling doesn’t seem to be going down.

 

[casportpony]

I don’t think the yolk broke but my husband assisted with this hatching. I think it just didn’t close properly. The swelling doesn’t seem to be going down.

Do your best to keep it clean a hope it doesn't get infected.

 

[Ducktown]

I have had similar or identical situation. Duckling died in a few days. I hope yours is strong enough, so it can survive. Good luck!

 

[Miss Lydia]

@Breemae123 How is the duckling today?

 

[Breemae123]

Do your best to keep it clean a hope it doesn't get infected.

We are keeping him inside and keeping an eye on it.

@Breemae123 How is the duckling today?

he

@Breemae123 How is the duckling today?

He is still alive. Not walking and he is still weak but he made it through the night.