Duckling can’t stand

[jessi381]

A few days ago two ducklings hatched at my farm, but one still didn’t. A day later it first started hatching, and two days after still hadn’t made any progress. My dad insisted on helping the duckling out because the mom duck wasn’t helping at all. Once he got the duckling almost all the way out he put it back so that the mom would come back and help it and keep it warm. Instead, she came back and sat on her other eggs and ignored the one that had just hatched, so my dad had us take it home so we could keep it warm in a box with a light. It’s been about 15 hours and the duckling is completely dry but it’s feet are like curled and it cannot stand up and it’s just kicking it’s way around the box, laying on its side. My dad says something is wrong and that’s why it didn’t hatch with the others and that we might have to let it go if it doesn’t get better. What should I do?

 

[chickens really]

Wait another 24 hours. Possibly still absorbing the yolk from its stomach. Sometimes it takes awhile for them to get up on their feet. Don't force it to eat or drink till it's able to on its own.

 

[Isaac 0]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens!

Could you take a picture of the duckling, and its feet/legs? I'd also like to see what you are keeping him in.

 

[jessi381]

Onvioisly the box is only temporary. I think my dad was planning on moving it back to our pond where it hatched once it was healthy enough.

 

[DuckyDonna]

Please get the newspaper out of the box! It's too slippery and will cause leg problems. If you've got some puppy pads or old towels are even better!

 

[chickens really]

Onvioisly the box is only temporary. I think my dad was planning on moving it back to our pond where it hatched once it was healthy enough.

Give it 24 hours or more to see if it finds its feet before getting rid of it. Sometimes all they need is time.
Also use paper towels and not news paper. Too slippery.

 

[jessi381]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens!

Could you take a picture of the duckling, and its feet/legs? I'd also like to see what you are keeping him in.

 

[jessi381]

Give it 24 hours or more to see if it finds its feet before getting rid of it. Sometimes all they need is time.
Also use paper towels and not news paper. Too slippery.

should i feed it and help it drink

 

[chickens really]

should i feed it and help it drink

No..Not today. They can go without for 3 days after hatching. If absorbing the yolk still it can't digest anything. Keep waiting.

 

[Isaac 0]

The ducklings need to be moved onto a surface that has more traction, newspaper often leads to splayed legs, a towel would be much better. I have had ducklings drink/eat as early as six hours from hatch, later tonight set the duckling towards the water dish and see if it will drink a little on its own.