Duckling born with large red bump on head

[Donna Jeanne]

Hello. My duckling hatched last night with this weird, large, red bump. I had her/him in with the others, but when I went to check a few minutes ago, it was over on the opposite side of the enclosure, cold, and bleeding. I took it out, put Blu-Kote on the bump/wound and separated it out. The wound bled again when I gently applied the Blue-Kote with a cotton ball. Any idea? Maybe born without a skull a top? Anything I can do to help remedy other than separate and keep clean? FYI - Side images are after Blue-Kote. Top image is true color of bump. TYIA

Thank you.

 

[SilverBirds]

Looks like his brain is exposed. I don't think he'll make it very long like that.

 

[Donna Jeanne]

That's what I feared. The only hope I had was that it was encapsulated in skin. Was hoping that there was something I could do to protect it, like a helmet of sorts.

 

[SilverBirds]

Not sure if you can or not. Hopefully someone else can jump in with their thoughts.

 

[Donna Jeanne]

Thanks. Appreciate your input.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I'd keep the duckling separated from the other but in the same brooder make it a space all it's own with food and water. Did it have a crest before it was attacked?

 

[Donna Jeanne]

Thanks. I have it separated, but close. It had a few feathers on top to begin, but the red was very prominent. It didn't look so much like a crest, but more like a weird red cap with a dark red ridge. I do have one female duck of 16 that has the crested gene so I do have the gene in my flock.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Please keep us updated on how it is doing.

 

[Donna Jeanne]

Hi. I thought the duckling would pass yesterday, but he's holding on although with little movement. He's sleeping a lot so I am just monitoring and making sure he's comfortable. I expect today is his day to go and will keep you updated.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Poor little one.