Muscovy Duckling Please Help!

[eilis83]

Hi, Our hen hatched 5 eggs yesterday but still has several left in her clutch. This morning I went out and discovered one duckling had hatched overnight, and was trampled into the ground. I was about to bury it, thinking it was dead, when its eyes opened just a bit. I brought it inside placed it in a heating pad and have had it there all day. Its slowly recovered. Eyes opening, chirping, and able to hold its head up. I dont know if it had a chance to absorb its yolk. It still seems fairly weak and isnt eating or drinking much but seems stronger. Should I put it back with its mother and siblings tonight? Or keep it indoors to give it more time? Also the hen has lost all interest in trying to maintain the eggs left in the clutch. Do I just leave the eggs or clear the nest?

 

[Eggcessive]

I would probably bring it in under a heat source and care for it. I will tag @Miss Lydia for help.

 

[eilis83]

I would probably bring it in under a heat source and care for it. I will tag @Miss Lydia for help.

Thank you!

 

[Miss Lydia]

It's sad when this happens but these little ones can be amazing how they can recover. Be sure to check out the belly to make sure it's absorbed the yolk and if it's gained strength you can try giving it back to mom.
(Please give an update.)
As for the other eggs if she isn't sitting on them you can bring them in and finish if you have a bator. I'd candle each egg to see if they are still alive before discarding. Put each egg up to your ear to listen for scratching.

 

[eilis83]

It's sad when this happens but these little ones can be amazing how they can recover. Be sure to check out the belly to make sure it's absorbed the yolk and if it's gained strength you can try giving it back to mom.
(Please give an update.)
As for the other eggs if she isn't sitting on them you can bring them in and finish if you have a bator. I'd candle each egg to see if they are still alive before discarding. Put each egg up to your ear to listen for scratching.

The duckling made it through the night, and is still maintaining strength. But I almost hate to write this down because I think I know the answer. When I went in this morning it appeared to have yolk around its nares. There is a slightly swollen spot on its belly where Im assuming the yolk sac was. I dont see any oozing or redness particularly but there's a small scab. I placed it outside near its mother and siblings today and it slowly made its way over and is huddled underneath her for now. She didnt reject it and it seemed to perk up a bit being near them. I have a timer going and Im going to bring it back inside in a bit.

 

[Miss Lydia]

If there is a scab and nothing oozing out hopefully it will be fine. Just keep an eye on it for another few days. My Muscovy have all be great mamas and will gladly take back one if it needed tending too.
Keep us updated please.

 

[eilis83]

Unfortunately the duckling didn't make it. It seemed to be making progress but died overnight. There were no outward signs of illness, so Im guessing it was just too weak. Thank you all for your help and advice, I guess this is just something we are going to have to get used to.