Drowning Duckling?

[KaitlynF]

One of my Ducklings started chirping a little while ago and now it sounds gargled. The air sac is a very nice size and it just broke through the membrane this morning. I don't want to help the baby if it doesn't need it, but I don't want to let it drown or something terrible.

 

[chickens really]

I'd leave it till it externally pips. You can put a safety hole but not recommended. They generally do fine by themselves.

 

[Kiki]

It broke through the outter membrane? Is the shell cracked at all?

 

[casportpony]

If you are *100%* sure is sounds like it is gargling, then it might be a good idea to open up the shell where it looks like it will pip and remove any excess fluid. I have seen this in a few here, and that is what I have done.

@Texas Kiki , @WVduckchick , @Pyxis, what would you do?

 

[Kiki]

I'd candle it first to get a good look inside to see what's going on.

 

[casportpony]

I'd candle it first to get a good look inside to see what's going on.

Definitely, I would do that too.

 

[Pyxis]

X2, I'd candle and then if you see fluid in the air cell, you'd want to try to remove it so the duckling doesn't aspirate it or drown.

 

[KaitlynF]

Thank you every one after setting it upright for a while the duckling seemed to be okay and there wasn't any fluid in the air sac.

 

[casportpony]

Thanks for the update, glad it's doing better.

 

[casportpony]

How's the duckling doing? Any progress?