Duckling can't see

[newduckmomi]

I have a new baby Rouen who hatched Monday night/Tuesday morning. It was an assisted hatch as the poor baby was getting shrink wrapped and wetting the membrane didn't help. My little Rouen is having problems opening it's eyes and walking. One eye (which is on the side that I had the most problems with membrane sticking to) is completely gunked over and won't even open. When I open it the eye is milky white. The other eye is a tad crusty and slightly white when opened, but not nearly as bad. After cleaning it with water on a q-tip it opens for a bit, but gets the gunk on it again very soon to the point that cleaning the eye isn't working because 5 minutes later it's closed up again. The poor baby can't walk that well, and I fear it's because he can't see anything. He's trying! He more so scoots his butt around to move. I have to feed him and give him water because he can't see to know where it is in his box, let alone walk well enough to get there. Any suggestions on what to do? I'd hate to lose him.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi

Welcome To BYC

I'm sorry you are having trouble. Let's see if we can find someone knowledgeable with ducks and hatching to help you.

@RavynFallen or @Amiga do either of you have any ideas?

 

[Amiga]

Thanks, Wyorp Rock,

Could be an infection. A good duck vet is best, and I understand not always an option.

I would drop a couple of drops of mild sterile saline solution - just saline, no fancy chemicals - in the eyes three or four times a day.

Just a thought that may be a bad idea but I will share it. I think that docs used to drop a silver solution into the eyes of newborns to prevent infection. You might research into whether a drop of colloidal silver solution would be safe to try.

I think saline woukd be safe, but I have not had to do this myself. I suggest it because it is antimicrobial and works for ducks with foamy eye.