just hatched duckling

[Princessfarmer]

Is it normal for a just hatched(12hrs) duckling to be very lethargic.....it has eaten a little and drank a little but then it just lays there like its dying.....it has gotten stronger and is able to walk but sometimes it just lays there.....is this normal.....is there anything I should be doing?

 

[Iain Utah]

Yes, it is normal. Hatching is exhausting stuff. It should perk up by 24 hours. You can also try giving it a little sugar water for energy. I usually add a touch of sugar and polyvisol (multi vitamin drops) to their water.

 

[Princessfarmer]

It's all alone....I have 2 seven day old ducklings but I don't think I should put him in with them yet.....

 

[Iain Utah]

Definitely do not put new baby with the older ones yet!

Eta: give baby a stuffed animal and prop so he can crawl under part of it. It will help.

 

[Princessfarmer]

My baby is doing much better today! His name is stinky billy because he smelled so bad after he hatched...