Duckling foot issue

[Astevens891]

This is Mighty.



This little duckling hatched almost 59 hours ago. I had a total of 5 eggs that made it to lockdown and he was the first to hatch. He hatched all on his own with no help/intervention and stayed in the incubator until last night. In the incubator I noticed his foot remained curled up nearly the whole time he was in the incubator. When I pulled him out his foot seemed to be spreading out.

However, this is as far as it’s gotten and he’s not putting nearly any weight on that leg

Since taking these pictures this morning (around 48hrs after hatching), I’ve braced his legs together with a bandage and straightened out his foot and taped it down on a little “shoe” and I’ve stuck him in a cup because outside of a cup he just lays down and his legs/feet just go right out from under him and behind him. Is there anything else I should be doing?

Also side note, he hatched with a complete bald spot. Not really related, just thought it was strange.

All 5 eggs did hatch completely unassisted, but mighty is the only one having this sort of issue with his feet. Prior to wrapping him up and sticking him in the cup, Mighty spent most of his time laying down and not walking as much as possible.

This was my first time hatching duck eggs so this is new territory.

Thanks in advance for any help/advice!

 

[Debbie292d]

Hi!

The baldness was probably caused while in the egg. I've only seen that happen on their backs along their spine area, but that's most likely what's caused that.

I would have probably put him back in the incubator, and you still could, for about 12/24 hours. Sometimes, they just need to sleep and develop a little bit more.

The boot and cup I'd have done as well afterward, plus Poultry Cell in the water for a day. I think he should wind up being okay, as you're doing the right things!