Duckling hatched with yolk sack not absorbed

[northdakotabirds]

Hi there!

My 12 year old daughter just hatched her first clutch of duck eggs. One hatched on its own with the yolk sack still attached - she seems to be doing well though. We kept her in a cup with a moist towel for the first day after hatching. Today is day 2 - the yolk sack seems mostly absorbed now and seems to be drying up. She’s chirping, walking around, and is alert. Should we do anything with the yolk sack? Will it fall off on its own? It seems like she’d get around better without it. Any advice?

 

[casportpony]

Hi there!

My 12 year old daughter just hatched her first clutch of duck eggs. One hatched on its own with the yolk sack still attached - she seems to be doing well though. We kept her in a cup with a moist towel for the first day after hatching. Today is day 2 - the yolk sack seems mostly absorbed now and seems to be drying up. She’s chirping, walking around, and is alert. Should we do anything with the yolk sack? Will it fall off on its own? It seems like she’d get around better without it. Any advice?

Welcome to BYC!

Can you post a picture of it?

 

[northdakotabirds]

Thank you!

Here are a couple pictures. Yesterday it was fuller and slimier looking, a pinkish/yellow color - today it’s dry and black.

 

[northdakotabirds]

These pictures are a little brighter. Also, it seems to be bothering her today - she picks at it a bit.

 

[Miss Lydia]

@casportpony

 

[casportpony]

I haven't had one that big and black before, so not sure I am qualified to offer advice. Maybe @Pyxis or @WVduckchick have seen this before.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I def wouldn’t handle it it could introduce bacteria.

 

[northdakotabirds]

Thanks everyone! We’ll wait and see what happens. Would you leave it in the incubator for a bit longer? We have it in the brooder now so it wouldn’t be alone. It’s drinking water, but no interest in food yet. It’s been hatched for about 24 hours now.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Only problem if others mess with it?

 

[northdakotabirds]

They don’t seem to be messing with it, but we’ll keep an eye on them.

Thanks everyone for your advice! We’ll keep you posted.