Duckling bill is shorter than bottom bill

[WannaBeHillBilly]

There is not much you can do about the bill. It could be caused by a mal-position in the egg, which may correct itself when growing up. But that could also be a genetic problem and the bill will always be like that.
To me the upper part of the bill looks like having a little upwards bend, it doesn't seem too short, just bend, so i assume there is a good chance this will correct itself during growth.
The duckling may not feel hungry at all, it may be a late-hatch and still has a lot of yolk in the belly to digest. You can only offer food and water and wait. If the duckling refuses to eat it will not make it…

 

[Miss Lydia]

It's a birth defect and it doesn't look extreme as we've seen here. I'd make a wet soup with warm water and a touch of Apple cider vinegar [to keep feed fresher] and set it into a shallow bowl so the little one can scoop. Just dip the bill into the bowl don't force feed into it's mouth. It could aspirate into it's lungs an cause Pneumonia. Contact Metzers with a picture also.

 

[Pennys Mama]

I tried but I could get any food in its mouth. Never


I ordered these from Metzer Farms so I am sure they didnt cut them. I think it may be a birth defect.

I'd notify Metzer Farms, did they send any extra in the order?

 

[WVduckchick]

I agree with the others. It’s possible that it will correct as the duckling grows, as long as you can get it to eat in order to grow. Try different feed combinations from very wet and soupy, to dry.

Also try letting him swim in a few inches of water, for a few minutes at a time. They tend to drink and clean their mouths and nares while swimming, so it could be good therapy for him. Just make sure to dry him well afterward and keep him warm.

beautiful ducklings. I hope all turns out ok.

 

[Miss Lydia]

@Justjack5 how's the little duckling?

 

[Justjack5]

@Justjack5 how's the little duckling?

She started eating on her own yesterday afternoon but still not as fast back and forth to the water and food like the others. I am very please and think she may make it now!

 

[Miss Lydia]

That's great news. Hopefully she'll start catching up now. Did you contact Metzers?

 

[Ratchnick]

Why metzer would ship that bird is beyond me.

 

[2 many chickens]

I have a bird like that. I just make sure the food is deep enough so she can properly scoop up the food. She grew up just fine. I would also use a duck water, basically a tupper ware or milk jug with a hole cut in in, she will probably have a hard time with a standard chick waterer.

 

[Justjack5]

That's great news. Hopefully she'll start catching up now. Did you contact Metzers?

Yes they said they would send me a replacement!