4 ducklings hatched without eyes?!?

[chickens really]

I need to see a picture of that

Of what?..Dwarfs

 

[BrindleFinch]

My Dwarfs are not caused from a genetic deformity. Same as in people. It just happens.

But... height is controlled by genetics... and dwarfism is an inheritable trait, even in people...

Sometimes environment plays a role (malnutrition or other substances in the environment), but dwarfism is absolutely genetic. It's just got a very weird dominance tree that can lead to organisms and people with dwarfism going on to have average sized offspring, or it seeming to pop up out of "nowhere," from average sized parents.

If you have dwarfism popping up in your flock more than once, there is definitely a genetic component laying around - or an environmental one. Either or should probably be addressed.

 

[chickens really]

But... height is controlled by genetics... and dwarfism is an inheritable trait, even in people...

Sometimes environment plays a role (malnutrition or other substances in the environment), but dwarfism is absolutely genetic. It's just got a very weird dominance tree that can lead to organisms and people with dwarfism going on to have average sized offspring, or it seeming to pop up out of "nowhere," from average sized parents.

If you have dwarfism popping up in your flock more than once, there is definitely a genetic component laying around - or an environmental one. Either or should probably be addressed.

I have contacted the head University Vet. I have discussed this with him and sent pictures. I won't argue about my Dwarfism. I have culled two and the momma killed the last one.

 

[FishMtFarm]

Ok yes, dwarfism is genetic, that’s why I asked. You can be a carrier but when it’s passed on by both parents, that’s when the physical signs show up.

 

[chickens really]

Ok yes, dwarfism is genetic, that’s why I asked. You can be a carrier but when it’s passed on by both parents, that’s when the physical signs show up.

lol...I won't argue this isn't about my Birds. I know what I'm dealing with.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Those duckling can have as normal a life as possible being blind kept in a safe pen keep food and water always in the same place and I even heard of using a clicker to teach them where to find it. That little one sure is precious.

 

[chickens really]

Ok yes, dwarfism is genetic, that’s why I asked. You can be a carrier but when it’s passed on by both parents, that’s when the physical signs show up.

It's congenital not genetic defect. Happens in developing fetus. Trust me I have done my homework on this..Anyways I'm done chatting about my issue..

 

[FishMtFarm]

Dwarfism is usually caused by a geneticvariant; achondroplasia is caused by a mutation on chromosome 4. If dwarfism is caused by a medical disorder, the person is referred to by the underlying diagnosed disorder. Disorders causing dwarfism are often classified by proportionality.

With this all being said, the ducklings with no eyes are probably a genetic variant as well contributed from both parents and hopefully it has only affected the eyes and not any other part of the body. They can live a good life and already know how to use their other senses since they never experienced vision. I’d give them a chance if you have room or can find someone dedicated to their care. They are absolutely adorable!!

 

[casportpony]

Had 11 ducklings hatch 2 days ago now...... 4 of which have no eyes!?!? One is no longer with us... It also had a gimp leg and it was clear mama duck was not going to care for it and did not want me to save it and I did not want it to suffer. The other three seem to be doing well and are able to find and use food and water bowls. What should I do? If I were to keep them as special needs ducks i think my adult male ducks would bully them.

Side note*** mama duck is muscovy. I have 2 male muscovys and one male pekin and not sure if they they have "cross mated." My Pekin female and Pekin male usually stay in their own pack and don't socialize with the moscovys but I'm not sure if they've mated or not... If that's the case could that cause this deformity?View attachment 1532852

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.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hey all, just a quick note here to nip any arguing in the bud. Lets keep this thread on topic, the OP needs help with her eyeless ducklings. This thread is not a debate on whether or not this is genetics, dwarfism or some other conidtion, so please, stick to helping the OP with her birds.

Thank you all for your understanding. Carry on!

BYC Staff