Duck with yolk not absorbed, still alive on day 6

[slink1211]

Hi all, I am looking for some advice from folks who have had ducks hatch early, with the yolk not absorbed, and the duck lived.

Last Thursday, April 26th one of our little appleyards pipped and started hatching within about a two hour time-frame. When the baby was out it still had a very large yolk sac attached. I put it in a clean warm washcloth and left it in the incubator. I changed the washcloth about every 6 hours and put an antiseptic cream on the yolk and area every two hours, a very small amount. Well, after 2 days the yolk was almost all absorbed. The siblings had hatched and this one was up and running around. So I feed it small amount of water and some soft scrambled egg. And it grew and started to thrive. On the 4th day we put in the the brooder with the other two. Now the yolk is just a small dark spot the size of a pencil eraser and is dried up. The little duck is up and eating, pooping and drinking.

So what should I do now? Anything else I can do to make sure this baby lives? I so want her to. When will she be out of the woods? Today is day 6.

Thanks all,

Tracy

 

[QuackerJackFarms]

Sounds like she is out of the woods. If she's eating and drinking and the belly button is all dried up. I'd say your good!

 

[slink1211]

She is now 8 days old. This morning she was up and perky. Each day I am excited to see her. Maybe when she is a year old I won't worry anymore

!

Thanks, Tracy

 

[Mum]

Hopefully, it will drop off of its own accord. Do you handle her? Are you able to gentle knock it off? The reason I wonder that is because there could be a risk of the dried yolk part festering and causing an infection? I'm not an expert, I'm just thinking out loud!!!

 

[slink1211]

It is now day 10 and she has no sign of her former yolk sac. It fell off while she was cleaning. Healthy and eating and a happy little duck. In about a year I will be relieved and think she will live. Thank you for all the advice!

 

[slink1211]

Just wanted to give hope to anyone that has this happen. My dear sweet Fanny is now almost 8 weeks and she is a beautiful appleyard. Don't give up hope!