My ducklings eye! Pics included.

[rocky871]

This duckling was just born last night. Today, I noticed that it only had one eye open. The other seems to be sealed shut and under it, there seems to be a small lump. It’s hard to see in pictures but I do hope it helps somewhat.

What can I do? Did it get burned by the heating element in the incubator? Was it born this way? Did another duckling peck it?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Do you have the heat down close enough it could have been burned? That is probably not the problem or there’d be a blister. But have you tried nice warm compresses to see if it will open its eye?

 

[Neco]

Could it just have egg gunk stuck to it? Get a wet q-tip and gently wipe it with some water.

 

[rocky871]

Do you have the heat down close enough it could have been burned? That is probably not the problem or there’d be a blister. But have you tried nice warm compresses to see if it will open its eye?

I removed some ducklings previously from the incubator as they were touching the heating element in the incubator and it was freaking me out. Maybe I didn’t remove this one in time? I have the styrofoam farm innovator incubator.
And no I haven’t. Just get a warm paper towel and dab it for a few minutes?

 

[rocky871]

Could it just have egg gunk stuck to it? Get a wet q-tip and gently wipe it with some water.

I’ll give it a shot and let you guys know. Should I do it a few times a day until the eye opens?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I think a warm cloth would be best just wring it out so it’s not dripping water and let it sit for a few minutes.

 

[rocky871]

I think a warm cloth would be best just wring it out so it’s not dripping water and let it sit for a few minutes.

Just directly over it’s eye?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yes just lay a soft wash cloth wrung out so it’s not dripping and let it sit you may have to do it several times hopefully it will open it’s eye soon after.

 

[rocky871]

Yes just lay a soft wash cloth wrung out so it’s not dripping and let it sit you may have to do it several times hopefully it will open it’s eye soon after.

Okay great, let me give it a try.

 

[rocky871]

Yes just lay a soft wash cloth wrung out so it’s not dripping and let it sit you may have to do it several times hopefully it will open it’s eye soon after.

I did it a few times today. I do see the duckling open its eye up, but only briefly, and not at all the way. It’s like he refuses to use that eye. I’ll continue with the warm Compress tomorrow. Ducklings are so wiggly sometimes!