4 ducklings hatched without eyes?!?

[Kiki]

And that is probably what happened to my 4 eggs that Speedy was trying to hatch this summer.

Could have been.

 

[happyduckygal]

My understanding was that these ducklings were hatched by a broody hen. Are high temps a problem with broodies?

Yes, mama duck took care of these eggs the whole time!

 

[happyduckygal]

Depends on where you live and where the duck made a nest. I've had some ducks make their nests out in areas that weren't well shaded and I recall finding some eggs with shell temps over 105 degrees, so I think this could apply to broody incubated eggs too.

Her nest was in a shaded area under our chicken coop, and it was made out of hay and her own down. She did spend lots of time laying on them, basically would only get off them for only 5 mins a day, and temps here in the summer stay in the 90s

 

[happyduckygal]

Welcome to BYC and so sorry your ducklings have no eyes.

The duckling above appears to be purebred Muscovy, but even if it weren't, that would not cause this problem.

I don't know what causes this, but I will do some research.

Why do you say it appears purebred? Can you tell this early in life?

 

[casportpony]

Why do you say it appears purebred? Can you tell this early in life?

I have Muscovies and "quackers" (Pekin, Rouen, Runners, etc), and they do breed each other. It's been my experience that ducklings that color grow up to be pure bred chocolate Muscovies.

What color are the Muscovy parents?

 

[happy duck]

They are so cute!!! I did not read post before so I am hoping I did not miss anything.

 

[Kiki]

They are so cute!!! I did not read post before so I am hoping I did not miss anything.

if you don't read everything you did miss stuff.

 

[happy duck]

if you don't read everything you did miss stuff.

Yeah so I just had to go back and read cuz I felt there was gonna be some great info....as you said this I was skimming over what was said!! I am wanting to hatch ducks(Incubator or by duck) and this is great info for that!

 

[Cheyenne97]

Seems like a birth defect, I would defiantly not use the parents for breeding. If I lived closer I would take one! I already have a special needs chicken. Stay safe during the Hurricane!

 

[silkiemother]

maybe your little ones will get their eyes later.