NEED HELP QUICK

[sjaksec]

I assisted a mallard duckling the rest of the way out this morning.. about 12 hours ago. the little guy has been on his side all day, fairly active, but not able at all to support his head or even lift it. he's fluffed out and looks fine, but is not moving much. I got a couple drops of a supplement that came in a 4oz white plastic bottle with a pump handle but I made the entire gallon and threw out the bottle. the last chick did the same thing and did not make it, but I didnt try to feed him. will a chick who cant lift its head eat if I place his beak in the very watery crumbles? kinda concerned that he's heading the same way. I have a syringe. any immed help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Amiga]

I would dribble a vitamin-electrolyte supplement on the side of the bill - we risk pneumonia when syringing, though I know it can be done. I just get nervous out that.

Poor little.

You might try dipping the bill in vitamin water. Poultry Nutri-Drench has a few vitamins and some calories in it, then there is Sav-A-Chick.

 

[sjaksec]

will do, thanks so much for the quick reply.

 

[Amiga]

I just happened to be able to sit down for a few minutes and check the forum.

 

[sjaksec]

follow-on if you dont mind.. so as I sit here and look at this guy on his side.. I'm looking at what I thought was an umbilical with the remaining little bit of pink mass slowly shrinking.. however as I look closer, and without touching, it almost looks like there is an actual opening in that spot and perhaps I am looking at his intestine or other body mass? he's still breathing and moving, but I'm not sure what I should do, especially if that is indeed an opening. might this be a common occurrence and if so, is there any way to try to save this guy? thanks so much. it's not bleeding.

 

[Amiga]

How about you check in at the Thread Formerly Known as Hatch Day is Today?

I am not a hatcher, but that's where they hang out and I have learned so much from them. Great group.


https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/594278/thread-formerly-known-as-hatch-day-is-today

 

[JacqueOCS]

Good morning! We have 4 ducklings in the brooder w/a light. Last year the mama duck lost all 5 of her babies to turtles, cranes or whatever got them. So....this is my first time w/ducks. I have a heat lamp, dish deep enough they hop in and swim and of course fresh water for drinking. They have wild game starter feed, one dish w/crumbles soaked in water and dry crumbles available. What else do I need to be doing for them? Thank you for any advice

 

[Amiga]

Here is a good bunch of information compiled by jdywntr.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711

Please read that. I like to have a thermometer in the brooder to know the temperature. Water - some ducklings do fine with something they can get into, but there have been drownings, I believe. I would let my ducklings swim in a cake pan, then in the tub with water up to their tummies, but I would always supervise, and make sure they returned to a clean, dry, warm brooder, and were toweled off if they did not immediately start preening.

 

[JacqueOCS]

Thank you Amiga! Yes, I have noticed these preen once they get out of the water. Why don't you want them doing that?

 

[Amiga]

Hmmm, maybe I worded it wrong,

but I DO want them to preen. It's the non-preeners who would get toweled off.