Duckling Hatched with Open Wound on Head

[heyheypaula]

I just got home to find 3 out of my four ducklings had hatched. The one remaining was unfortunately shrink wrapped which is disappointing enough and another has what seems to be an opening in it’s skull? Some sort of an encephalitis? I can’t tell if it’s head is the proper size compared to the two siblings because of the size of the wound (?) and because I put antibiotic ointment on it. The other two were pecking at it and so she’s now separated. They are welsh harlequin ducks and naturally the only two thriving ducklings are males. Does anyone have any experience with this? Recommendations or tips? I’m a vet tech so I know the odds aren’t good.

 

[chickens really]

Hello. That Ducklings skull isn't closed. That's a crested Duckling with a bad case. Sadly I'd put that one down humanely.

 

[heyheypaula]

Hello. That Ducklings skull isn't closed. That's a crested Duckling with a bad case. Sadly I'd put that one down humanely.

Thanks for the response, that is what it seems to be. She was supposed to be a welsh harlequin duckling. She wasn’t doing so well this morning and had some pretty severe neurological symptoms so I did humanely cull her

 

[chickens really]

Thanks for the response, that is what it seems to be. She was supposed to be a welsh harlequin duckling. She wasn’t doing so well this morning and had some pretty severe neurological symptoms so I did humanely cull her

Aww..Crested can happen in any Ducks. Glad you made the right decision even though it's sad..

 

[LizaKnepper]

oh What a sad post I am so sorry for your loss my prayers are with you and your babies.