Baby duck missing beak

[brandik1985]

We had a duck get attack and unfortunately passed away. She was just starting to nest. We had a broody chicken so I put 2 of the duck eggs under her. She had a chicken hatch 2 days ago and a duckling hatched sometime last night/morning. When I checked on mom and baby I noticed the ducking hatched but looked dead. It was cold. It looks like the hen pecked it. Is missing feathers/down on its head and the top of the beak is hangin on barley. I took both hatched and unHatched baby inside. Is there any hope for the one with the tip of the beak coming off? It is peeping now thats its warmer. I read about getting a dental paste to use to put back on. Or should I put it down? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you

 

[emmaie892000]

Could you post a picture?
It could just be the keratin, and it will still be able to eat. I would base it all on how much pain the baby seems to be in.

 

[brandik1985]

 

[emmaie892000]

Oh that's awful. Is it showing any will to live? Most people would say euthanization is the correct option.
If you can glue down its beak without hurting it, you could try that. As for the wound on the back of its head, it looks like just skin. Clean it up with a wet cloth, maybe put some neosporin on it.
It's very bad though, don't feel bad if the poor baby dies.
And really, if you feel like it's suffering too badly, you'll want to euthanize it.

 

[brandik1985]

It's just laying there, not moving to much, does peep every once and a while.I can hear a little rattle when it's breathing like blood or something is in the lungs. I did put some wound spay on its head. I'll keep monitoring it. And see if I can figure anything with the beak. I havent really handled him except for bringing him inside. If by tomorrow he doesn't semester any better I'll euthanize him. Any humane ways to do that?

 

[emmaie892000]

I would euthanize.
Here are all the methods I know. Some of these aren't possible for chicks, like firearms. The ones that would probably be best for you include vinegar and baking soda in a sealed area.

1. Cervical Dislocation (breaking the neck)
This method can be carried out multiple ways, including with bare hands, using a broomstick, etc.

Pros:
- fast and (we think) painless
- fairly easy
- free

Cons:
- hands on
- you have to pull hard enough, or you can cause more pain
- emotional (if you have a bond with the bird)
- animal is awake
- strong reflex after death at times

2. Injection
This method can be carried out by a vet, due to the euthanization medicine being a controlled substance.

Pros:
- painless (other than injection itself)
- animal falls asleep first
- very little reflex after death

Cons:
- can be expensive, always costs
- only available with some vets
- vet situation can cause stress

3. Decapitation (complete removal of the head)
This method usually involves an axe and a hard surface like a stump.

Pros:
- fast
- very short pain only
- free

Cons:
- messy
- emotional (if you have a bond with the bird)
- unless the bird is immobile, they could move
- you cannot comfort them during the process
- reflex after death at times

4. Freezing
DO NOT TRY THIS METHOD unless it is a young chick. (Young chicks cannot control body temperature well, which is why this works with them)

Pros:
- free
- animal falls asleep first

Cons:
- large birds can control body temperature, this will be cruel with them
- chickens are warm blooded and cold hardy
- unable to comfort during process
- may not work reliably

5. Firearm
This method can be carried out by anyone who can aim well enough.

Pros:
- free (as long as you have a gun)
- fast (if you aim and hit right)

Cons:
- unable to comfort animal
- requires a certain level of skill
- messy
- emotional (if you have a bond with the bird)

Tip: Use a shotgun up close if using this method, to insure the bird is killed the first time. The pellets will stay in the head area and insure a fast death. If you use one bullet, you risk missing the correct spot and prolonging the birds suffering.

6. Carbon Monoxide
This method involves something burning, like gasoline in a car.

Pros:
- free
- animal falls asleep first
- semi-fast
- not emotionally taxing
- very little reflex or reaction

Cons:
- metal or gas can be hot
- if lively enough, bird may struggle at first
- unable to comfort (box must be sealed)


7. Carbon Dioxide
This method is created using a mostly sealed chamber and baking soda with vinegar/peroxide.

Pros:
- animal is asleep first
- not emotionally taxing
- fairly quick
- can comfort animal
- very little reflex or no reaction

Cons:
- may not work if solution is too weak
- requires some money for supplies
- bird may be uncomfortable or stressed in the tub required for it

TIP: The carbon dioxide created is more dense than air (heavier) so it will push oxygen out while still allowing you to have your hand on the animal. For the safest route however, have a mostly covered container with a small gap for oxygen to be pushed out of.

8. Essential Oil or Ether
This method involves soaking rags or paper towels in ether (found in starter fluid) or certain essential oils.

Pros:
- painless
- can comfort (to some extent)
- not emotionally taxing

Cons:
- requires exact measurement
- may not be effective
- not much info known

(I'm not sure if they're asleep first or just suffocated, I'll do more research.)

9. Other Forms of Suffocation
This method is just cruel. Plastic bags? Seriously? If you're willing to watch a bird thrash around in a bag while they slowly die, you can chop off their head or break their neck. Don't do this.

I don't think I missed anything, but if I did, go ahead and tell me haha.
Also, for both "gas" methods, I believe the animal falls asleep before the actual suffocating occurs, making it less cruel than some believed.
Ultimately, any euthanasia decisions are up to the owner, but always try to think of what will be best for the animal, as well as what you are capable of!

 

[emmaie892000]

If you read through this thread, it will tell you exactly how to do it painlessly.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/208641/how-to-humanely-euthanize-a-chicken/120

 

[brandik1985]

Thank you. You have been really helpful. I did read thru a lot of the thread. So if the time comes, I'll know what I can do.

 

[emmaie892000]

If he hasn't improved at all by tomorrow, I wouldn't prolong his suffering any longer. He may even die on his own before that time comes. I would give him some painkiller right now, due to how awful that injury looks. Baby aspirin is safe for fowl, let me find the dosage.

 

[emmaie892000]

Here's a helpful thread, although I don't know if I ever found the dosage for babies, considering their bodies are so TINY.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/840411/using-aspirin-on-chickens/10
The official dosage found was 5mg/kg. Of course, your duck is far below a kg (2 pounds). So honestly this dosage would be hard to measure and get in his little body. I guess no aspirin.