HELP!!! autopsied a presumed dead duck embryo on day 31 and he is alive!!

[Lemon-Drop]

I know nothing about hatching.., but I’m cheering this little one on and wishing for the best of luck!

 

[HawaiiCoyote]

how far did you open his egg? Did any blood vessels break when you opened it?
Any bleeding?

I know nothing about hatching.., but I’m cheering this little one on and wishing for the best of luck!

Right beside you Lemon Drop! I hope he makes it!

 

[noreen_justus]

how far did you open his egg? Did any blood vessels break when you opened it?
Any bleeding?

Right beside you Lemon Drop! I hope he makes it!

He did bleed yes. as I supposed the embryo had been dead for at least a week, I wasn't so careful when I first opened it.
it's open to about half

 

[RosemaryDuck]

@MGG @JaeG @WVduckchick @RosemaryDuck

I'm so sorry, I have no idea why the site didn't notify I was tagged here.

If he's still alive, he should be alright. It's likely he was shrink wrapped (since you mentioned he was sticky and not making progress) and when you opened it you caught him mid struggle. I would try to give him some electrolytes & probiotics if you have them on hand.

Right now I'd just keep him warm in the bator and let him absorb the rest of his yolk. Keep the other ducklings away from him as they might pick at his navel/pull on the shell.

 

[noreen_justus]

 

[Ebony Rose]

He'll likely sleep a good 24-48 hours after such a struggle. Don't worry too much about food/water during this time as the yolk it absorbed immediately prior/during the hatching process is enough to sustain them for a few days. As long as this lil squirt is breathing, I'd give him the chance to survive this difficulty.
A chance at life is so much better than no chance.
A swollen navel is common in 'premature birth', so I do not find that alarming. This little one looks healthy, but plumb tuckered out. Let him rest until you hear him cheeping... then offer water with electrolytes and food. An egg yolk is a nice offering as it's nature's perfect food for baby birds.

 

[noreen_justus]

thank you all so much. I really appreciate your input. I will let him rest for the night and hopefully tomorrow I'll have good news to share.

 

[Show Sebright]

I can cheering for your little one. One of my sebrights I hatched, we had to take out of the egg she’s a big girl now and it’s very strong. I think your duckling will make it!

 

[noreen_justus]

he has absorbed all his yolk and i dont think he is connected to the shell anymore. i still let him be and will check on him in the morning. we named him maverick.

 

[MarDar]

I hope he does well.