New Duckling

[LV426]

Hello, I'm new to the forum and I came because I have a problem with a new hatchling. Actually I thought that the eggs were dead but I guess someone was sitting on them because this little guy hatched out in the compost heap. I heard a peeping when I went to dump the duck pen leavings and his little bill was sticking out of the egg I had thrown in the compost heap last night.

Anyway he hatched on his own and I have him in an incubator to keep warm until I can get a brooder set up for him but the issue seems to be with one of his feet. The foot is curled upwards and only two toes are spread out. So far the little duck sits on his hocks and he has hobbled over and eaten a little and drank some water but hasn't been able to actually stand up. I'm wondering if someone knows how or if this can be fixed.

1) Duckling-Cayuga - just hatched today
2)One foot curled upwards and toes not completely spread out

3) Is there any bleeding, injury, broken bones or other sign of trauma- No trauma

4) What happened, if anything that you know of, that may have caused the situation- Came out of the egg that way.

5) What has the bird been eating and drinking, if at all.-Unmedicated chick starter

6) How does the poop look? Normal? Bloody? Runny? etc.-Normal stool
7) What has been the treatment you have administered so far?-Nothing yet
8 ) What is your intent as far as treatment?-To fix his foot so he will be able to walk.

9) If you have a picture of the wound or condition, please post it.

10) Describe the housing/bedding in use- Incubator 96*F towel in the bottom

Thanks

 

[DuckLady]

I would give him a day to dry out.

You can probably have good luck in improving him if you can splint the leg gently in position. I mean not to force it but over the course of a few days gradually straighten it by adjusting a splint. Hopefully that will help straighten his leg out while the bones are still soft and young.

The foot is easy. Just get a piece of stiff cardboard and cut it out the shape of the foot spread out. Tape it on the bottom of his foot with medical paper tape and wrap with some vet wrap for traction. Check it every couple days.

I am really glad you found him!

Likely the heat of the compost finished his hatch.

 

[MandyH]

Ah, never throw out an egg till it stinks, I say.

 

[LV426]

Quote:
Thanks I've splinted his foot with cardboard and his leg seems to have straightened with the foot. He's still not able to stand but he's very wobbly and since he's just newly hatched I will give him a day or so before he's running around. I just knew that if you leave their feet too long that they can't be fixed so I wanted to know what to do now before any twisted legs or muscles set in.