Baby duck with crooked head

[Hgc]

This morning I noticed one of baby ducks was holding its head crooked. She can stretch it out, but keeps it crooked, I seen her drink fine, but the way she is holding her head is weird. I haven't seen anyone attack each other, she doesn't cry when I touch her neck, so I don't think it hurts her. Can anyone tell me what's wrong with her and can I help her? I don't know for sure if she is a she. She the one in front of first two photos, and in the back on the last photo. Only the last really shows what I'm talking about.

 

[Hgc]

They are 1 and a half weeks old.

 

[Hgc]

Here's a better photo of the problem.

 

[OneEggToRuleThemAll]

Research "wry neck"...I don't know much about it except that it happens to chicks and ducklings and can be caused by a nutritional deficiency. I am sure others here will have better info for you. Good luck! Your ducklings are adorable!

 

[BelovedBirds]

This morning I noticed one of baby ducks was holding its head crooked. She can stretch it out, but keeps it crooked, I seen her drink fine, but the way she is holding her head is weird. I haven't seen anyone attack each other, she doesn't cry when I touch her neck, so I don't think it hurts her. Can anyone tell me what's wrong with her and can I help her? I don't know for sure if she is a she. She the one in front of first two photos, and in the back on the last photo. Only the last really shows what I'm talking about.

This could be a soft tissue injury in the neck, but I think this is likely to be early stages of wry neck, also known as star gazing.

The condition can be brought on by nutritional deficiencies and trauma to the neck, sometimes even if you do everything right, this condition still might occur.
You should increase her vitamin intake, especially vitamin e- you may be able to find a product like nutri drench that can be safely dosed or added to their water. It would be a good idea to try feeding her soft mashed up scrambled eggs or raw egg yolk. She may need assistance with eating and drinking, and if moving becomes harder she will need separating from the other ducklings while she is treated. You can do independent research on the condition for treatments, or you could try to take her to an exotics or avian vet for their opinion. You might find some good resources here on the forum.

Best of luck!

 

[Hgc]

I've seen you can support their head with a sponge collar like thing? Would that be a good idea or maybe make things worse?

 

[BelovedBirds]

I've seen you can support their head with a sponge collar like thing? Would that be a good idea or maybe make things worse?

I would imagine this could help but I think it depends on the severity of the case, and I think you'd need to separate her from the others if you tried this

@New duck mommy 2021 might know more on this