Duckling has curled toes :(

[Problem hatches]

Hey everyone! I just hatched a mallard duckling, (Pekin and mallard mated) didn't know if mixing breeds is bad. I noticed it can't walk. It's about 7 hours old right now. It's eating and try's to cuddle in with the rest of the hatchlings. I will take a picture and post it. It looks as if the toes are curled under, and the leg/foot looks funny. Now I usually sell my ducklings but I think I might keep this one due to its problem. I don't have a clue what to do. It tries to walk but hobbles on its knuckle and falls over.

 

[Problem hatches]

Hey everyone! I just hatched a mallard duckling, (Pekin and mallard mated) didn't know if mixing breeds is bad. I noticed it can't walk. It's about 7 hours old right now. It's eating and try's to cuddle in with the rest of the hatchlings. I will take a picture and post it. It looks as if the toes are curled under, and the leg/foot looks funny. Now I usually sell my ducklings but I think I might keep this one due to its problem. I don't have a clue what to do. It tries to walk but hobbles on its knuckle and falls over.

 

[emmaie892000]

Curled toes are a common deformity in chicks and other baby fowl. Luckily, it's pretty easy to fix. Make little shoes!
Try flattening out his foot, then laying it on a piece of tape, then double over the tape over his foot. It holds the toes straight while he grows a little, and he should be just fine. He'll still walk a little funny though (while his shoes are on). You can look up threads using the keywords "curled toes"

 

[Problem hatches]

Curled toes are a common deformity in chicks and other baby fowl. Luckily, it's pretty easy to fix. Make little shoes!
Try flattening out his foot, then laying it on a piece of tape, then double over the tape over his foot. It holds the toes straight while he grows a little, and he should be just fine. He'll still walk a little funny though (while his shoes are on). You can look up threads using the keywords "curled toes"

Thanks! I will make a splint tomorrow morning he's sleeping with me now. When he hatched I was the first he saw and my voice was the only thing he heard for the first couple hours. Do you think it believes I am its mom, or does that not work with ducks lol. He calms down when I pick him up, and he sleeps under my chin

 

[emmaie892000]

I would assume imprinting works with ducks, I think all birds do it.
He sounds like a sweet little guy, he should turn out just fine.