Duckling born with eyes closed ??

[beckykwango]

I have a duckling that has only just hatched but it's eyes are closed this is the first duckling I've ever hatched myself but I have 6 grown ducks !
I always remember my gramp telling me ducks were born being able to see with eyes open ?? Is this true if so what should I do now ?? Thanks

 

[WalnutHill]

Yes, ducklings should have their eyes open and can normally see right after hatching. Take a very soft, wet with warm water, cloth and ever so gently wipe the duckling's eyes. It may just have some egg goo sticking them shut.

If the lights are very bright, see if your duckling will open its eyes in a more shaded place. The light may be painful. White heat lamps are much more intense light than red heat lamps.

 

[beckykwango]

Thank you I will try that now
She is still in the incubator at the minute as she is still what looks to me like stuck to her ambilical cord or something !! Xx

 

[WalnutHill]

Ok. I'd let her rest in there a bit longer then, until she is mostly dry and the cord has detached. Do you see any gooey stuff around her eyes?

 

[beckykwango]

No I can't see anything that looks nasty around them well Im to scared to look at the other side of her as I dont yet want to move her until like you said she come fluffy free of the cord !
Xx

 

[beckykwango]

after the cord drops off and the duckling is free how long then til I feed it and give it water ?? Xx

 

[WalnutHill]

You can offer her food and water right away. She probably won't eat or drink much right away, but water is always a great idea! Do you have a brooder set up at 95 degrees for her to move to once she is free?

 

[beckykwango]

Yeah it's all ready has been ready since yesterday when she started to crack the egg thank you so much xx

 

[WalnutHill]

If she can't see right now, you will need to help her find the water. Just be sure the water is not too deep, maybe 1/2" in a jar lid or small bowl, and just gently press the back of her head down so that the tip of her beak goes into the water. Then stop pressing. She should get a taste of it, and go back for more. You may need to repeat this several times over the first hour or two.

 

[beckykwango]

Thank you so much for all your help and support
I just been in to check on her and her eye does seam to be trying to open
She still stuck to her cord !!
How long do they usually take before they free from their cord ??
She looks like she trying to kick herself free bless her xx