How long before day olds actually eat and drink?

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

I have this 1 duckling that hatched, moved it to the brooder with heat lamp, it hangs out under the feather duster all the time, it is maybe 30 hours old, i have 2 waterers in there (that it cant fall in) and mana duck starter mash that i keep adding water to. I have dipped its bill in both, there are 2 little poops in one area of the brooder but so far no evidence i can see it has eaten or drank. Its siblings haven’t hatched yet.. if they are going to, i am worried about that but its too early to panic.. I think. Tomorrow night will be 28 days , this one hatched at almost 26 days . Please advise.

 

[cheezenkwackers]

They live off their yolk sac for the first 48 hours. That is why they are shipped by hatcheries at that age. So, try not to worry. I suspect he will be eating/drinking more tomorrow.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

It always takes my ducklings 1-2 days to start showing signs of eating and drinking after hatch. Especially ones that hatched early or had issues hatching, I've found they tend to live off of their yolk a little longer.

 

[cheezenkwackers]

How is your little one today? Any siblings?

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

How is your little one today? Any siblings?

Little one has been seen taking a sip of water, Dunno about food but there are poops about. As for the rest no activity, the eggs seem to be darkening, if you have ever had monarch caterpillars, the way the crysalis darkens right before it emerges, that is what it looks a bit like, but not so drastic. Like i see wings and feathers through the shell? Or maybe it is just rotten.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I hope you get more ducklings. Did you put your finger into the feed to show this one where food is?

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

I hope you get more ducklings. Did you put your finger into the feed to show this one where food is?

I dipped his/her little bill in both water ans food, i can do it again now, i am trying to cut down on handling to avoid imprinting. If I only end up with one i don’t know what ill do, was planning to give these to a friend, but he kind of bailed.. i understand, but now i am in a spot. If I could find someone with littles who would take another I would go to great efforts to get this one to them.

 

[Miss Lydia]

What day are the eggs on? can you post a picture of an egg candled? And have you tried posting on your states thread about the duckling?
Do you have a mirror in with it so it can see another ducking?

I sound like an attorney.

 

[Miss Lydia]

If it works out with just one, I had an only one time and he turned out fine he is 10 yrs old now. You are going to miss out on some precious moments if you worry about imprinting.

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

I

What day are the eggs on? can you post a picture of an egg candled? And have you tried posting on your states thread about the duckling?
Do you have a mirror in with it so it can see another ducking?

I sound like an attorney.

I never thought of a mirror, i can candle, I figured i was worse messing with them than candling them as I didn’t know what I would do anyway. They are on day 28 right about now