Boot my duckling's foot???

[babyboy1_mom]

I currently have ducklings hatching that are early. They weren't due to hatch until Wednesday, but started yesterday (Sat,) and this has been one of the worst hatching experiences that I have ever had.

I have 23 eggs in the bator and so far 11 that have hatched. Some of them have had some blood that came out whenever they hatched. Nothing bad, but blood all the same. 3 pipped good sized holes and died.

I have 9 that are unhatched, but 1 has pipped and zipped a little bit.

Ok, out of the 11 that have hatched so far, 2 of those have a messed up foot. I would like to know if I could put a boot on their foot, like people do with baby chicks, and if that would correct the problem?

I have never had to use a boot, but have read about it on here. If someone would explain it again, then I would appreciate it.

Thanks,
Dorothy

 

[DuckLady]

You mean for a curled foot?
Just take a piece of stiff cardboard (I use an old expired credit card), trace the foot on the cardboard and cut out. Use bandaids to tape the foot on the cardboard or plastic. If the bottom of the shoe is too slick for good footing Wrap a piece of Vet Wrap or other rough bandaging tape just to give it traction. Check the foot after a couple days and retape as needed. Make sure to not cut off circulation in the toes. Good luck!

 

[babyboy1_mom]

Thanks terrielacy. The foot isn't curled under, a few of them will not splay their foot out like it is supposed to be done. They keep their foot/toes held close together.

As if that wasn't bad enough, the last baby that hatched has bad leg/foot problems. It keeps one of it's legs out behind it. I have tried putting like a splint type contraption on it, but it still holds the leg out behind him/her. I have read on here where people have put a rubber band to stop splay leg, but I don't think that would help this situation. If anyone has any ideas as to what will help, please let me know.

Thanks,
Dorothy

 

[talos321]

Oh no. This was the ducks you told me about?

Hopefully someone catches on very fast and gives some response. I haven't had ducks in a long while.

 

[babyboy1_mom]

Hi talos321. Yes, this is the ducklings that I told you about. I had the 11 hatch, but one died this morning. I candled the 8 remaining eggs last night and 1 was still good. This morning when I got up, it had zipped a little bit, but then died also.

I guess that if I did have twins in one of them, then they didn't make it. I usually open the eggs up and see what I can find, but I don't have the heart to do it this time. This was a very disappointing hatch for me.

The 10 remaining are doing good. I did put a boot on a few of their feet and it has straightened up all but one. One still has a messed up foot, but gets around fine. With the way this hatch turned out, then I am happy to have gotten 10 out of it.

Dorothy

 

[talos321]

That is good to hear that you got 10. I hope the ones with the leg problems heal up. Maybe you can post some pics up of them and tempt me for ducks again.