duckling with severe birth defect : ADVICE? ? ?

[crazy-bird-lady]

Great news, now don't get in a hurry to keep the shoes off you want him to get this right while still young, and also lots of supervised swim time really good way to build up muscles. 

While I understand that it is essential to learn things right the first time, but he seems to be walking ok as far as keeping his feet flat. And I hate watching him struggle with the shoes on, so unless it is absolutely necessary I really don't want them on.

I might need to make a set of hobbles though, because he keeps spreading his feet out when he walks. He's doing ok other than that though, so I think his chances are pretty good.

 

[Miss Lydia]

While I understand that it is essential to learn things right the first time, but he seems to be walking ok as far as keeping his feet flat. And I hate watching him struggle with the shoes on, so unless it is absolutely necessary I really don't want them on.

I might need to make a set of hobbles though, because he keeps spreading his feet out when he walks. He's doing ok other than that though, so I think his chances are pretty good.

Well you know whats best since your right there. Be sure to keep him on non slippery flooring too.

 

[pattyhen]

I just read your post. I'm so happy for him, he has the sweetest little face. please keep us updated on how he's doing and take plenty of pics. Thanks so much for giving him a chance and taking such good care of him.

Patty

 

[stucke07]

I was hatching some eggs from one of my girls. They all hatched on their own yesterday, but one has a severe malformation. First of all, his feet are curled back, making walking extremely difficult. I know how to take care of this though, as I have had it in chickens before. It is his beak that concerns me. Instead of the U shape that a healthy ducks beak has, his is hour glass shaped with no nostrils. I am concerned that if he tries drinKing or eating, he will drown or choke by inhaling into his nasal cavities. Because there are no nostrils, he has no separation between his throat and nasal cavities. Some people are telling me it is best to have him put down, but I'm trying desperately to at least give him a chance.

If anyone has had a duck with this deformity or has advice I would really appreciate what you have to say, because I just don't know what to do. I have this one idea that is unlikely to work, but I was thinking about taping around his upper mandible to create artificial nostrils. Is this even worth attempting?

Here are some pictures to give you an idea if what is wrong.

Hi- we just had a duckling born with the same bill defect. Writing to ask what you did or used woven strut g feedings? We already love our baby so much and want to do the best possible thing for him.

 

[nuthatched]

Hi- we just had a duckling born with the same bill defect. Writing to ask what you did or used woven strut g feedings? We already love our baby so much and want to do the best possible thing for him.

Hi there, you're going to make a new thread for your duckling, this thread is rather old.

 

[Buckingham Palace]

This thread made me happy. What a cute baby