Newborn Duck: spasms; eyes shut; soft/curved neck... hope?

[VicVonPip]

Hello,
My neighbor started raising Welsh Harlequin ducks. The ducklings were all healthy in the first & second batches but now one born unwell.
- It took 2 extra days for it to break off the shell.
- The other ducklings cared for it - it is clean.
- It has not been able to stand on its own.
- It lays on its side and every once-in-a-while it spasms and kicks like crazy...
- she told me it ate a little and had a little water.
She is heart-broken!
We don't know if it has some deficiency curable with Vitamins or if it has a brain lesion.
Before I put it down, can someone help me out with this situation?
(I apologize if this thread is a repeat. I tried my best to research before posting.)
Thank you, everyone.

Vic Von Pip
(Florida - USA)

 

[jenniemig]

Maybe it is kicking because it is trying hard to get up? Can you get some electrolytes for the water? I've used sav-a-chick and quick chick.
I would try propping her upright with rolled washcloths and putting food and electrolyte water within reach. Dip her bill in the water every so often to get her started.
If she perks up start her on poultry vitamins to prevent any deficiencies.

 

[VicVonPip]

Oh, Thank You Jennie!

I have done just as you said:
- in a box lined with fleece
- in front of a heater
- head propped up

It spasms real bad... I will need to do something to keep the head from curling under.

How do I get electrolytes into her water?
I am not a health buff... salt? honeydew juice?

I will try to find this "sav-a-chic" in my area...
Anything else?

 

[VicVonPip]

Hello Friends,
Does anybody else have a similar experiences to share?
After not opening the eyes, spasms are my major concern.

I am going to make a decision by morning - medicate or kill...
Thanks,
Vic Von Pip

 

[jenniemig]

I'm not sure if ducklings can have problems with wry neck right after hatching, but the curling of the neck and spasms are symptoms. Read up on treating wry neck, you can successfully treat it with vitamins like poultry nutri drench or polyvisol without iron.
Wry neck can be caused by vitamin deficiency and/or neurological problems, which is what I believe caused my ducklings problem. I have just finished treating her, she is doing great.