hatching wood duck eggs

[WVduckchick]

The little guy is still struggling to survive. The yolk sac isn't fully absorbed. I've been giving him drops of water, trying to keep him hydrated. Very weak though. The yolk sac doesn't seem to have changed throughout the day. Any thoughts or advice?

Is he out of the shell?
Just a waiting game. I’d try to keep him as immobile as possible, and on something soft, preferably in a cup or bowl if you can, so he can’t rip it open.
Hope he makes it! How are the others doing?

 

[scott ritter]

He's out of the shell and the yolk has been absorbed but he is very weak and wants to lay on his side. I still have him in the incubator but lowered the temp to 96.8 right now. He chirps a little when I do and won't open his eyes much. I think his body looks a little bloated. The other 2 are doing great.

 

[HenniesInMyHeart]

Looking bloated is normal if they were late in yolk absorption. As long as everything is inside the belly, s/he should be okay. S/he is probably exhausted from the whole ordeal. I had chicks who couldn't hold their heads up for almost a full day post-hatch because they were so weakened from fighting to hatch. Don't give up on the little one yet! S/he's clearly a fighter! Please keep us posted! PICS too please! OMG I love love love wood ducks...I wasn't aware they could be kept in human care. They are so exquisitely beautiful!

 

[scott ritter]

should I keep him in the incubator? keep trying to give him water? or food?

 

[WVduckchick]

is there much yolk left to absorb?

I’d remove it from the incubato when you feel like the danger of him ripping it open is over.

 

[scott ritter]

good news. he perked up over night but I left the house at 4:30 so I turned down the incubator to 95* and left him in there til early afternoon. He/she is now in with his siblings and doing great. I'm so thankful for the responses I received and a duck life was definitely saved! I will be posting some pics soon, hopefully tomorrow. Thanks again.

 

[WVduckchick]

Oh great news! Thanks for the update!! And congrats on saving these babies.

 

[scott ritter]

Here's a few pictures of the little guy during his first swim with his older siblings. Thank you again for all the responses.

 

[GoldenChooks]

Here's a few pictures of the little guy during his first swim with his older siblings. Thank you again for all the responses.View attachment 1487497 View attachment 1488628 View attachment 1488630 View attachment 1488631

Beautiful ducklings! Great job hatching and saving them

 

[WVduckchick]

Here's a few pictures of the little guy during his first swim with his older siblings. Thank you again for all the responses.View attachment 1487497 View attachment 1488628 View attachment 1488630 View attachment 1488631

Oh my! They are super precious!! Congrats again.