Duckling injured?

[poultrygirl2000]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and have a question about a baby call duck I got this morning. We had a shipment of 16 call ducks come in this morning ( one died in shipping so 15 ) and when we were putting them in their container with a heat lamp I noticed one that was very lethargic. It was getting trampled by the others and its eyes stayed half open. I was bringing him inside to give him sugar water, and he jumped out of my hands and fell onto the tile landing on his back I put him back with the others but now he can't walk or stand plus his lethargy is worse did he injure his spine? He just keeps rolling on his back trying to get up. I feel horrible! What do I do?!?!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and have a question about a baby call duck I got this morning. We had a shipment of 16 call ducks come in this morning ( one died in shipping so 15 ) and when we were putting them in their container with a heat lamp I noticed one that was very lethargic. It was getting trampled by the others and its eyes stayed half open. I was bringing him inside to give him sugar water, and he jumped out of my hands and fell onto the tile landing on his back

I put him back with the others but now he can't walk or stand plus his lethargy is worse

did he injure his spine? He just keeps rolling on his back trying to get up. I feel horrible! What do I do?!?!

I'd put him into his own little box inside the brooder for a while, have you offered any sugar water or save a chick, electrolytes? make a little donut out of a small towel and place the duckling in the middle to keep it upright. Hopefully it will recover with a lil rest, shipping is hard on them. and then the fall well things happen now to try and get the lil one rested and better.

 

[Amiga]

He may indeed have a spinal injury.

Separate him so he doesn't continue to get trampled. You may want to support him with the folds of a towel in a healthy position. Dip his bill into lukewarm water. I would add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a pint of water. Also, if you have sav-a-chick or gro-gel, I would give him some of that, also.

And then you need to watch and see how he does. Sometimes littles can recover from serious injuries. Give him a chance, forgive yourself, and concentrate on caring for all of them.

Please stay in touch on the forum, there is much to learn here, and I am sure we can learn from you, too.

Take a look at the duckling care sticky, if you have not yet.

 

[poultrygirl2000]

Thanks for your replies I have separated him from the others. I have him some sugar water but will be sure to get sav-a-chick. I wrapped him in a towel like you suggested so he stays upright. Ill keep you updated and I'm hoping it turns out ok

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thanks for your replies

I have separated him from the others. I have him some sugar water but will be sure to get sav-a-chick. I wrapped him in a towel like you suggested so he stays upright. Ill keep you updated and I'm hoping it turns out ok

lightly wrap him so he can move around if he wants but still be supported.. and we're pulling for the lil one. thanks for keeping us updated..

 

[poultrygirl2000]

Will do I also added to molasses to his water for extra energy

 

[Amiga]

Go light on the molasses, while it is used for calories, it can also be used for a laxative. I think it's one of those things where more is not necessarily better!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Go light on the molasses, while it is used for calories, it can also be used for a laxative. I think it's one of those things where more is not necessarily better!

X2!!

 

[poultrygirl2000]

Unfortunately, I went in to check him and he was on his back dead :,( at least we have 14 others

 

[Miss Lydia]

Unfortunately, I went in to check him and he was on his back dead :,( at least we have 14 others

I'm so sorry, but you know what he may not have survived anyway since he was already lethargic.Enjoy the 14 you have left. and post some pics when you can.