He is so lovely! Such a pretty boy! Its funny how they impact on you. Have had some manic times recently as hubby wants to leave his job and set up his own business so its been very busy. Also have had a very ill duckling, it pipped midway in the shell facing down into the towel so it nearly suffocated, it pipped almost a week early and wasnt anywhere near ready neurologically to hatch, after its initial pip it couldnt do anything so I assisted as I figured it was stuck. One leg was twisted above its head so even if it had been trying it wouldnt have made it. Well the more I removed the more I figured it was a goner, limp no even attempt to open its eyes or lift itself and its entire range of movement was kicking its legs occaisonally. Anyhow I left it twenty four hours and it was similar so was actually giving up when it opened its eyes and turned its head. It still couldnt lift its head properly or do anything though. I gave it some water then left it 12 hours. By this point it could lift its head very shakily, but its legs very still kicking out randomly and definately at funny angles. I figured putting it with another very young duckling may stimulate it move so put it in a small cup (I hoped to strengthen its legs as it was obvious they were working properly) and moved it hourly to the food and drink which seemed to strengthen it lots. His head was still wobbly but slightly controlled by day two, but at this point it became obvious his legs were both facing backwards like flippers on a penguin so he couldnt stand. So started figuring out various harnesses to try and reset legs in the right place. Total disaster! Finally when handling him I realised the leg that had been above his head the hip was wrong, it didnt match the other side at all, and I figured either a dislocated hip or just wrongly positioned. I ended up with a fabric bandage then tight tight sellotape wrapped round his hips keeping them straight and then the feet directly below the hips like how they sit. He stayed like the for a day and a half with me cleaning his bottom and positioning food and water in reach. His control of his head had reached normal now and today when I took the bandage off he actually stood!! He can walk a few steps so im optimistic now whereas before I just kept thinking I shouldnt have helped at all!
I love Cody in the pool, so affectionate.