Duckling Hatched Without a Tail

[Tannerpauldean]

I just finished hatching my first clutch of eggs, and I am so happy with the results. We had a 60% hatch rate from the fertile eggs, which gave us 14 ducks. The hatching process lasted from day 27 thru day 31, and one of the last ducks hatched had some trouble. It seems to have been born without a tail of any sort, which is causing some balance issues. Does anyone have any experience with tailess ducks? Should I be concerned about its adult life?

 

[Ruralhideaway]

I used a cut down pop bottle for a call duckling. About 3 and a half inches high.

 

[Tannerpauldean]

Update: 2 weeks later and little Rumpy-stiltskin is doing as well as the other ducks. Some isolation in a confined space did wonders, although I confess I did not try the Coke bottle method (I could not find a suitable container at the time). There doesn't seem to be any problems with his walking, he poops without any issues, and the other ducks have not picked on him any. The only downside is that he looks more like a kiwi bird than an Indian runner duck. Overall I am pleased and can't wait to see what he looks like when his feathers are all filled in!

 

[Tannerpauldean]

Someone else had a duckling hatch with out a tail sure wish I could remember who it was. Sure is a cute you have there.

I did see a post where someone had to amputate the tail of a call duckling. I am not sure how that duck turned out.

I think this is one of the cutest ducks I have ever seen. I am think of calling it Rumpy-stiltskin.

 

[Miss Lydia]

A little Nic u unit

 

[Ruralhideaway]

I had a duckling that kept getting stuck upside down recently. I placed him in a high sided plastic cup lined with paper towels for a few hours. This seemed to totally solve the problem and he didn't get stuck again. There wasnoi tail issue however.

I'm interested to read if anyone else tried this.

 

[lilmillefleur]

I don't know how to help you, but I just need to say...your poor Rumpy wiggling his tailless butt on his back is TOO CUTE!

 

[Ruralhideaway]

How old was the duckling when you tried this?

Still in the incubator, maybe 12 hours. I read somewhere that their equilibrium can be off and corrected by forcing them to have up, up. And that allowing them to be upside down can cement that neurologically so they'll never be right. I wish I knew where I read it, but totally fixed this guy.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I am glad the lil one is doing well.
I think he's cute.

 

[Sarkchick]

I'm so proud of you for saving this cutie pie. I really love the way his little rump is so round. But I'm sure you will miss the little tail wiggle they give when offered treats.
Good job mom, and congrats on your first hatch