First time hatching duck eggs

[TammyC]

awww thank you guys for thinking of us.. Heres an update, still only have the 2 but have 3 working on it now.. Just put the water in with them and they both went right for it and knew what to do right away.. I was shocked... I am trying to figure out to put pics on here and then I post 1 of the 2 of them..

 

[70%cocoa]

That's wonderful. Maybe give them some food now too.

They are pretty good at being ducks right from the start... I let mine have a swim in a roasting tray two days after they'd hatched and they got right into it. I dried them with paper towel then put them back in the brooder where they preened and fluffed up pretty fast. It's so funny to watch them preening just like the adults. They enjoy having finely chopped up grass, chickweed or dandelion in a bit of water in a tiny dish. Also mushed up peas. The mushed up peas were a big hit - but I shouldn't have been surprised

Can't wait for the pics!!!

 

[TammyC]

Here is pics of the babies... THe 2nd one born always holds his head funny, kinda sideways..

 

[70%cocoa]

They are beautiful!!

Do you have any bird vitamins? I'd add that to their water at half strength. Sometimes odd postures can be relate to a vitamin deficiency. If you don't have bird vitamins do you have Gatorade or Berocca? You can give the bent neck one some of that with en eye dropper.

 

[TammyC]

Good Morning, still only have the 2 but the 3 that have pipped dont seem to make any progress.. well 1 has, there is a hole in the shell and his bill is sticking out... I have read on here about shrink wrap and iam worried about that.. Should I try to help him out or just leave him..

 

[TammyC]

Well, I didnt something very stupid..... When I went out there to check on them I left the gat op... Momma chicken got up and came out so Momma duck went there and sat on the nest, she crushed the one that had made a hole so I grabbed it and brought it in and thought I could help. THere was blood on it so I wrapped it in a towel and the shell fell off and I dont think it absorbed all the yolk and there is a round thing near the belly, I am sure this is how they absorb the yolk.. He is still alive but I am sure we will lose him.. Its my fault and I feel so bad...

 

[Miss Lydia]

Quote:
don't put the one that just hatched in with your other 2, just put it where it can stay warm and finish absorbing the yolk, do you have any betadine you can put some in a spray bottle with enough water to where it looks like weak tea and spray it's belly. I hope you don't lose it but please don't beat yourself up, things happen and you just need to focus on it and the other 2 and the ones to come. Like 70 said there are things you can do that may help the lil one that has the head bent, even nutri drench from TSC or save a chick. It probably just needs a little extra vits right now. I used Poultry nutri drench since I had it on hand and used it for my ducklings when they hatched. Please keep us posted. And you are doing great!!

 

[TammyC]

I have him wrapped in a towel under a light... He is still alive, just laying there but when I go in there and check on him he does peep at me.. I am going to run to TSC and get some vits for them.. They are all so beautiful and I am in love..lol I will keep you updated

 

[Miss Lydia]

Quote:
Thanks Tammy and your doing all you can. I know you are in love it's just like having our own babies.
I'll be gone most of the day but I know there are alot of good duck people that can help you if the need arrises. But I'll sure be thinking about you and your little ones.

 

[TammyC]

Thank you Miss Lydia. I will be gone most of the evening...So I hope that the other 2 come before I have to leave...