How to Euthanize Incubated Eggs

[FlyAnywayAJ]

Please try to avoid hate. This is hard enough already

We had a duck to broody and hatched 2 duckling then killed them. Thinking she was not a good mama we took the remainder and put them in our incubator. They are hatching with what I can best describe as seeming to have a brain injury or something similar. They’re not opening their eyes and their movements are random and spastic and possibly even seizure like.
We have decided to euthanize them. I have had to euthanize live chicks before so I’m ok with the ducklings but my question is: is there a most humane way to euthanize while still in the egg?

Thank you

 

[fowltemptress]

Have you hatched ducklings before? What you're describing sounds like normal newly hatched ducklings to me, but I'm not there so I can't be sure of what you're seeing. It takes time for them to open their eyes and steady themselves.

 

[AshVau22]

When ducks hatch they aren't like chicks they don't hit the ground running. They are very slow and fall around like they are drunk. Take a good two days after hatch to be more sturdy and moving around. They will sleep a lot the first 24-48 hours. Unless you can clearly see a brain deformity I'd say they sound like normal hatching ducklings.

 

[nuthatched]

Give it a 24 hour day to 'get over' hatching. They've never existed before, hive it time.
If there's no improvement, do this
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...re-culling-the-injured-and-sick-babies.72140/

 

[AshVau22]

Please try to avoid hate. This is hard enough already

We had a duck to broody and hatched 2 duckling then killed them. Thinking she was not a good mama we took the remainder and put them in our incubator. They are hatching with what I can best describe as seeming to have a brain injury or something similar. They’re not opening their eyes and their movements are random and spastic and possibly even seizure like.
We have decided to euthanize them. I have had to euthanize live chicks before so I’m ok with the ducklings but my question is: is there a most humane way to euthanize while still in the egg?

Thank you

A video of the ducklings behavior would also be helpful. As far as euthanize the baby while still being in the egg I do not have any advice. I've always given all eggs a chance at hatching. They either hatch or they don't. And I prefer to cull after hatch if needed.

 

[SnackMeat]

Dealing with this myself and it does initially feel like "something is wrong," but really I think one just has wry neck. Push niacin or use a b-complex vitamin. My first hatcher is still spastic and my second one seems fine but simply tired and can't get their feet under them. But no, I agree with everyone else-- your ducks just need some supplements, electrolytes, and sleep. They are definitely not like chicks.

 

[FlyAnywayAJ]

Yes I have been hatching ducklings years and I am familiar with what’s normal for ducklings vs chicks. This is not the same although maybe I am not describing it very well.
Thanks for the responses.

 

[MGG]

Yes I have been hatching ducklings years and I am familiar with what’s normal for ducklings vs chicks. This is not the same although maybe I am not describing it very well.
Thanks for the responses.

I would be interested in seeing a video also.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

No hate here. It is common in waterfowl control to prevent eggs from hatching. That is by oiling the eggs. Coating the shell with oil prevents transpiration of oxygen and CO2.
Usually corn oil is used.
In case you were wondering, it is considered humane and approved by wildlife agencies.

 

[FlyAnywayAJ]

No hate here. It is common in waterfowl control to prevent eggs from hatching. That is by oiling the eggs. Coating the shell with oil prevents transpiration of oxygen and CO2.
Usually corn oil is used.
In case you were wondering, it is considered humane and approved by wildlife agencies.

Thank you! I would have never thought of oiling them but that makes sense.