Duckling won't walk or open eyes

[AnnetteR]

I rescued 4 eggs from a nest that was left by the mother since 6 or 7 ducklings did hatch.
They were really cold and I thought they were dead. 3 were infertile but one was fully formed, so I opened the egg and for my surprise it was still alive but very weak.

It has been 4 days, it eats reacts to stimuli but doesn't walk or open his eyes. What could be wrong?

 

[Sleek28]

I rescued 4 eggs from a nest that was left by the mother since 6 or 7 ducklings did hatch.
They were really cold and I thought they were dead. 3 were infertile but one was fully formed, so I opened the egg and for my surprise it was still alive but very weak.

It has been 4 days, it eats reacts to stimuli but doesn't walk or open his eyes. What could be wrong?

Does it have a floppy neck or can it lift its head completely?

 

[AnnetteR]

Does it have a floppy neck or can it lift its head completely?

It can move it's neck, but lays flat like a pancake and can only move when layed down.
But no, it can't really on its own.

 

[Isaac 0]

Welcome to BYC!

Could you post a picture of the duckling, and what it's in?

 

[Duckmom27]

They are supposed to come out of the egg on their own, not have it opened for them. The process of hatching builds their strength so they can function outside of the egg, and it may not have been ready to hatch

 

[AnnetteR]

Yes, that would have been ideal, but as I said I found the eggs really cold and assumed they were all dead. So I had to open them to make sure

 

[AnnetteR]

Welcome to BYC!

Could you post a picture of the duckling, and what it's in?

Welcome to BYC!

Could you post a picture of the duckling, and what it's in?

It's in a plastic box with an electric blanket. And I am feeding him/her with a syringe

 

[Sleek28]

You may want to start giving it vitamin water. I️ had a turkey poult with the same problem and now, after 2 days of giving it vitamin water, it is very active and all over the place.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Giving liquids to a Duckling is very tricky they can aspirate easily @Isaac 0

 

[ameliathedominant]

yes i would also suggest giving it probiotics and other vitamins in the water you can also mix it with her food