HELP! my little duckling... :(

[Duckles]

I'm sorry if the answer to my question is already up somewhere but I couldn't find it. I received 11 ducklings in the mail this morning after about 2 1/2 days in the mail.

3 of them are Swedish and one is tiny and only one eye opens. He's very lethargic and tries to always sleep but the other more active ducks peck him and step on him and he wakes up and stands up then kind of wobbles and falls down and falls back to sleep. He doesn't make as much noise as the other ones and won't bother with the food or water. I know I should let nature take its course to some extent but if there is something I could do to help the little guy get strong I want to try

My fiance named him Patch because of his eye and I held him for a while so he could sleep and now I'm all attached hehe... please help! Thanks!

 

[easttxchick]

Maybe try to add some electrolytes to his water and isolate him so he doesn't get picked on.
He may be stressed from shipping or he may just be a weak little guy.
Sure hope he bounces back for you-ducklings are adorable.

 

[terrilhb]

did you try to give him some sugar water with a medicine dropper maybe? I don't know.

Hope all works out

 

[Duckles]

Thanks! I'll try the sugar water just to get something into his tummy. Any insight onto why one eye won't open?

 

[Tiffrz-N-Kidz]

I had a few crested rouens that had the same thing. 3 out of 20. I had heard it was a genetic malformation. They all died young (within 3 weeks) I am sad to say. I tried sugar water, separating them from the more rowdy ducks, and stroking their backs to stimulate them. They just never 'thrived'.

 

[Duckles]

Thanks for all the help... Patch didn't make it

 

[easttxchick]

I'm sorry, Duckles.

Sometimes, there is just nothing you can do, you tried your best.

 

[Tiffrz-N-Kidz]

I am sorry, Duckles. You gave him the best shot possible. Sometimes it just happens and there is nothing to do but make them comfy and let them know they are loved.

I heard it put really well in a book once. It said something like, "Where there is livestock, you can expect there will sometimes be dead stock." Sounds harsh, but it's the nature of the beast.

 

[All-American-Chick]

hugs to you
sorry to read about the little duck
renee