The House on Ranch Creek
In the Brooder
- Apr 22, 2025
- 9
- 32
- 41
This is my first incubator hatched duckling (call duck), internally pipped day 25, no external pip for 24 hours so I poked a hole in the air sac area of the shell. Waited another 24 hrs, and decided to assist (after doing much research specifically on call duck assisted hatching). After slowly chipping the shell to leave an area open for the duckling to exit, they exited day 28 (a few hours ago). Everything seemed like it went smoothly until I saw they were attached to the egg still and had not fully absorbing the egg yolk. I waited hours and kept checking on them to see if you could see veins or not. It seemed there wasn’t much there except the yellowish goop that was keeping her attached. I assumed she needed to finished absorbing so I was going to leave them BUT they kept wiggling around and was kicking the egg shell like a kangaroo! I was so afraid she was going to rip her cord so I very slowly and carefully disconnected her from the egg shell. Thankfully there was maybe a single speck of blood. Does that seem normal for unabsorbed sacs? I put non medicated antibacterial gel on them and put her back in the incubator. Their umbilical area is still open and protruding though. I tired to give them VitaMetz water by placing a droplet on their beak but they wouldn’t open their mouth. They are still wiggling around and peeping so they seem lively. I would love any advice on what to do now. I’m going to see if their wound dries up tomorrow morning. I also want to make sure they get water / food if needed. Should I move them to brooder sooner to let their wound dry out? How often should I try liquids and then food because they aren’t up and walking yet, I’ll have to hand feed. Sorry for the novel, I’m very attached and want them to be ok. Thank you so much in advance!
Picture attached - it was bright so they were trying to hide their face.
Picture attached - it was bright so they were trying to hide their face.