Muscovy positioned wrong in egg?

[WVduckchick]

I have hatched many ducks, but never Muscovies. I have the feeling you are assisting a little too aggressively and too soon. But you have to do what you feel is right. It does look like a blob of yolk left to absorb in that last pic. Best of luck to you!

 

[HarmonyFox]

I have hatched many ducks, but never Muscovies. I have the feeling you are assisting a little too aggressively and too soon. But you have to do what you feel is right. It does look like a blob of yolk left to absorb in that last pic. Best of luck to you!

Definatly a possibility on helping too much. I really don't know much of what I'm doing even though I read a lot. But on the plus side the two who Simi hatched last night actually had fully absorbed yolks because about a minute after I posted both fully pushed out of the egg bottom and were trying to get out of the cups. The other one I assisted last night (not #2) really had the yellow goo hardened all over them. It freaked me out because I'm worried about the others having the same problem so I'm just keeping a close eye. #2 had it hardened down its spine but I'm not sure if that would have actually cause problems in hindsight. But at least they're ok! Two more have hatched for a grand total of 4. One baby that is yet to hatch I can see has its foot covering its head but I think it will be fine by its self. I'm really wondering why I have so many malpositions though.

 

[WVduckchick]

Definatly a possibility on helping too much. I really don't know much of what I'm doing even though I read a lot. But on the plus side the two who Simi hatched last night actually had fully absorbed yolks because about a minute after I posted both fully pushed out of the egg bottom and were trying to get out of the cups. The other one I assisted last night (not #2) really had the yellow goo hardened all over them. It freaked me out because I'm worried about the others having the same problem so I'm just keeping a close eye. #2 had it hardened down its spine but I'm not sure if that would have actually cause problems in hindsight. But at least they're ok! Two more have hatched for a grand total of 4. One baby that is yet to hatch I can see has its foot covering its head but I think it will be fine by its self. I'm really wondering why I have so many malpositions though.

I will commend you for taking it slowly though. There is some art in a good assist, and I think you are definitely learning for future hatches. So congrats!

 

[HarmonyFox]

I will commend you for taking it slowly though. There is some art in a good assist, and I think you are definitely learning for future hatches. So congrats!

Thank you ^-^" it's only because I got so much help and because theres so many good articles here about hatching. The malpositions still bother me though There was a few days, maybe 3, where I had to take them with me to work to turn them. Could the travel possibly have caused the malpositions? I was told it was ok to move them like that but the dirt road to my boyfriends house (where me and the eggs live) is extremely bumpy. It could make your car go out of line in a few month's. If thats what did it at least I would know now never to do that again.

 

[HarmonyFox]

So number 3 (one who was facing the wrong way) just popped out while I was napping. Does it look ok? The others looked different.

 

[WVduckchick]

So number 3 (one who was facing the wrong way) just popped out while I was napping. Does it look ok? The others looked different.
View attachment 1388294

That navel is open and you need to avoid any possible infection. I'd put it in a cup for a bit, if possible. at minimum, I'd put it on something soft, like an old t-shirt, and confine so it can't hurt it or rip it on anything. A dab of Neosporin or Vaseline would also be ok. It should look much better by tomorrow.

 

[HarmonyFox]

That navel is open and you need to avoid any possible infection. I'd put it in a cup for a bit, if possible. at minimum, I'd put it on something soft, like an old t-shirt, and confine so it can't hurt it or rip it on anything. A dab of Neosporin or Vaseline would also be ok. It should look much better by tomorrow.

Thank you so much! I was worried about it but that's good to know I can use Neosporin! Here is it this morning after spending the night in a cup with some medicine,

I think that looks like its getting better.

Though now I have another problem. The last baby to hatch has one eye stuck closed. That eye was facing outside for the longest when it unzipped so maybe it got dry? Should a Q-tip and water help?

 

[HarmonyFox]

I washed its eye with water about 3 hours ago now it's eye is still squinty but getting better. It seems pretty weak though so I hope it's going to be ok. Is there anything I can do for it? It seems like it's breathing pretty shallow :'(

 

[WVduckchick]

I usually take a cotton ball, soaked in warm water and hold gently over the eye, to loosen the goop. Try to wipe it off best you can. Once he is stronger, you'll be able to wash it better.
The navel does look better, watch the skin on the belly, just encircling the opening for any discoloration or yellowing. Eventually it should create a hard scab and fall off. I usually only do the Neosporin once or twice, because you want it to dry out and fall off.

Cute little bugger ya got there! Hope he perks up and heals well.

 

[HarmonyFox]

Thank you . It's my only REALLY light colored one so I have high hopes for it . I have the goopy eye one hanging out with me and a heating pad so it can stay warm and at the same time not get lonely. Thats usually what I did with my weak chicks so they could get a bit of extra attention. I'm so happy the hatch went ok though! It probably wouldn't have without all you guyses help! Thank you so much! I asked on here and FB and in the begenning the only help I got on FB was people just saying to let them die and that malpositions dont exist. I get people have their own opinion and I respect that but its not a useful response when someone who doesn't have the same opinion is freaking out and needs help. Eventually I got help though but it was after you guys had already helped me a ton so thank you so very much again from the bottom of my heart! I've always wanted to hatch eggs since I was a little girl so this has been a little dream come true