Help Emergency

[eggybritches]

A baby just hatched and I have to cull it, but I've never done anything.

The picture is graphic so I'll post a link. I think his brain is exposed? These are crested ducklings.

What do I do? I'm heartsick.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2648/4115857176_e1841d8067.jpg

 

[DuckLady]

How sad.

I have never culled anything so I can't help. I just wanted to offer my sympathies.
The saddest part is that the duckling looks so otherwise healthy and alert.

I will move this to the Emergency section for better response.

 

[chickenbottom]

could that he his crest just without any down i would give him a day or two by himself and see how he does im so sorry i hope you find the right thing to do

 

[vyshtia]

When I culled defective chicks, I just chopped their heads off. I have a chopping board and large knife for the animals. Just lay em down, put the tip of the knife down on the other side - then chop down. Do it firm and quick. They may flop around, but that's just energy being released. The other option is to hold them by the head and swing them around - this is a bit easier with adult birds. Young ones still have soft bones/joints and the neck may not snap right away. I don't recommend gas because that is a much slower and horrid way to die...unless if you have access to gas anesthesia - which most don't.

In the end, after reviewing all the options, it seemed that chopping off the head was the quickest, surest way.

Good luck...I agree that the poor thing should be culled.

 

[rarebreedeggs4u]

The one chick I had to cull was heartbreaking. I got suggestions for putting it in a baggie in the freezer and putting it in a ziplock with starter fluid. Some thought me cruel, but I placed him inside a garbage bag and with a FAST motion and SHARP scissors, I decapitated him. I almost threw up and I'll never forget it, but I couldn't let him suffer, freeze or die a slow, painful death. Unfortunately, all of us who hatch out babies will have to face this at some time. I'm so, so sorry

.

 

[Chew593]

I found this on the forum... you probably have backing soda and vinegar in your kitchen. I'm so sorry about your duckling.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=147192

 

[Cetawin]

Oh that poor baby. if you decide to cull, I would do it with a pair of very sharp scissors. When they are young like that is not as difficult to do. I am so so sorry the little baby has a beautiful face and expression.

You may consider putting some more info in your title...like "duckling head issue may need to cull"