Duckling not moving leg:(

[Ducky0711]

One of my ducklings just hatched yesterday... It seemed okay in the incubator... When I transferred him over to the brooding box... I noticed that it keeps one leg close to it's body and won't move it.... I tried moving it a little but it's very tight..and is not bendable from the joint to the foot.. I hope it's not broke any ideas?

 

[duckyfromoz]

I have had some hatch like that- sadly what has been wrong with mine is not treatable. The tendon slipped and the leg actually dislocated while it was still in the egg- so by the time it hatched a few days later- there was nothing that could fix it. A slipped tendon alone can be treated - you need to move it back into place and strap the leg to try and keep it in position. It can be difficult to do and the tendon can continue to slip. I hope for your sake- and that of your little duckling - that it is not a slipped tendon.

 

[Ducky0711]

I push in down and it's stuck...it doesn't move very far. Do I have to break it to move it where is supposed to be? It's the bottom part of the leg where the joint is the top of the leg to the body is fine

 

[duckyfromoz]

Forcing the leg would be very painful for the little one. It might be best to take it to a vet so they can see exactly what the problem is- and recommend what the best course of treatment may be.