Baby duck born with possible double yolk - Help and advice needed!

[JaeG]

I'm in a different country (I'm in New Zealand) so I'm probably not the best person to ask. We have a solar powered battery that you clip onto the electric tape and it gives a good whack (we have 7 heifers we are growing up). Maybe ask on the Predators and Pests forum as someone there will be able to advise you on the best set-up.

 

[Ravenborn]

Alright, I'll possibly do that tomorrow. And the "goop" is still strongly attached. I'm tempted with all of the drama tonight to leave the goop/removal till morning and see if there is a change.

Edit: Entered to find my wife talking to it. It's highly energetic right now. We decided to do as was suggested and snipped it about an inch away from the navel with a pair of scissors that I sterilized with alcohol, leaving a strand. No bleeding at all, I remembered that infection can happen to a snipped umbilical. We've had 4 kids, and I remember dabbing the umbilical with alcohol, just a bit to aid against infection and drying up. So I did, ever so gently. The baby is back in the incubator, teacupped in moistened paper towels.
The weird Goop sack that was amputated is here, my wife slid it open and popped it inside out so we could see what was in it.

 

[ronott1]

Alright, I'll possibly do that tomorrow. And the "goop" is still strongly attached. I'm tempted with all of the drama tonight to leave the goop/removal till morning and see if there is a change.

Edit: Entered to find my wife talking to it. It's highly energetic right now. We decided to do as was suggested and snipped it about an inch away from the navel with a pair of scissors that I sterilized with alcohol, leaving a strand. No bleeding at all, I remembered that infection can happen to a snipped umbilical. We've had 4 kids, and I remember dabbing the umbilical with alcohol, just a bit to aid against infection and drying up. So I did, ever so gently. The baby is back in the incubator, teacupped in moistened paper towels.
The weird Goop sack that was amputated is here, my wife slid it open and popped it inside out so we could see what was in it.

Nice Job!

 

[Angileen]

@JaeG & Electric Hotwire
I was thinking this exact thing. Wife is rather emotional and suggested we hook a car battery up to the outer fence. XD Electric hotwire is probably the best idea. I've never purchased nor installed one. Do you have any suggestions? I really don't want this happening again if at all possible. I did a perimeter sweep with my lantern, hoping she'd return home when night falls and we're leaving the duck enclosure open for her, just in case. Also have my neighbor across the street keeping an eye out.

I use a solar powered electric fence around my garden works great and no stupid extension cord

 

[Ravenborn]

Well, he's still with us. And we've named him. His name is Oddball, due to being referenced that way on the forum. lol So in a way, you all named him. He's still sleeping in the incubator for a bit longer (trying to keep the little belly tuft moist so he can finish absorbing). He may look like he's sleeping all the time, but any shift of movement and he's all over the place, chirping excitedly, eyes open, extremely alert. Very sleepy baby, which is understandable.
We set him in with the other chicks for a few minutes so that they can get some bonding, placed him in the middle of them and all seemed to huddle protectively. I imagine, given that things go well, in the morning we may be able to let him be with his siblings full time.

As for security, I've been pricing electric systems and they all seem to be pretty expensive. I'm currently flat broke. My wife's parents sent us 100$, however, with the intent that we buy a 4 cam security system and some motion activated flood lights. I'll be shopping for those tomorrow. I may buy the electric system if we ever have a windfall that amounts to enough.

Much love to you guys, and thank you very much, once again, for your help.

Edit: My wife finds it humorous that the markings on his beak look like a little frowny face.

Also, an update on Magnus. He's been quiet all day, and refuses to eat.
I'm hoping it's due to the infection, and not trauma and grief. The first is easier to battle than the latter.

 

[JaeG]

It does look like he's got a frowny face on his beak. So adorable. Hopefully he won't have to be confined for too much longer. They are all beautiful babies.

My fingers are crossed for poor Magnus. He very likely feels like hell. He's been through an awful trauma.

 

[WVduckchick]

Poor Magnus.
So glad the Oddball duckling is improving!