Help, hatching duckling seems in trouble.

[cheezenkwackers]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/guide-to-assisted-hatching-for-all-poultry.72886/

give this a read through before you do anything.

Thanks! I have assisted a few hatches in the past using this post. All of those made it though.

 

[WVduckchick]

Great job. The bill will heal pretty quick.

 

[cheezenkwackers]

Great job. The bill will heal pretty quick.

He looks pretty in the picture but he is dead.

 

[WVduckchick]

He looks pretty in the picture but he is dead.

Oh crap, I'm so sorry. I was confused.

 

[WVduckchick]

Was he situated correctly in the egg? Maybe drowned... maybe a wing or leg impeded the progress? Odd that they get that far along and just stop.

 

[cheezenkwackers]

Was he situated correctly in the egg? Maybe drowned... maybe a wing or leg impeded the progress? Odd that they get that far along and just stop.

His head was tucked under his wing. Isn't that how he is supposed to be? He did seem a little too straight, in the shell (compared to the other one). The fact that the turner was broken for the first two weeks of incubation could have messed with his position I guess.

 

[cheezenkwackers]

Ok, so we have been helping baby number two. He seems a bit sticky. We removed the top of the shell and he is resting with his head out. He did not seem able to turn in the shell as well.

 

[WVduckchick]

If his head is out, you can usually shine a light down his belly toward the pointy end of the egg (where his bottom should be), and be able to tell if the yolk is fully absorbed, or at least if you see any yellow at all. That kinda determines if I try to sit them in a cup to make them be patient a little longer, or if it’s ok to let them push on out when they are active enough.

 

[cheezenkwackers]

If his head is out, you can usually shine a light down his belly toward the pointy end of the egg (where his bottom should be), and be able to tell if the yolk is fully absorbed, or at least if you see any yellow at all. That kinda determines if I try to sit them in a cup to make them be patient a little longer, or if it’s ok to let them push on out when they are active enough.

So, we had to use wet q-tips as the membrane was glued to him. Most of the yolk is gone but very bloody?! We have him resting, out of the shell but still attached to the shell. He is getting stronger and trying to pull free.

 

[WVduckchick]

Most of that can be clipped off, just watch any major vessels or tubes, but the part that concerns me I circled. I would try to keep him on something soft, maybe dab a little antibiotic ointment to keep it from getting stuck to anything.
If you can clear out the bottom of the egg, he would be safest with his butt back down in the shell. Or a deep cup with a towel for support.
Try to immobilize as much as possible, and it should draw in soon.