Newly hatched duckling not standing

[Laurelm]

How long from the time a duckling hatches until it is able to stand? My first duckling hatched this afternoon and he/she is still kinda spralled on the incubator floor. It is peeping and trying to stand but it doesn't seem like it's legs work. I realize it may just take time, rest & effort but I'm worried since this is my first duckling. Please advise. Thank you!

 

[rainplace]

I've never done hatches before, but I from what I have read, hatching is hard work! It takes a bit for them to get moving. Someone with experience should pipe up soon.

 

[eggchel]

Ducks and geese often take longer to get their feet under them than chicks. Id not worry about it just yet.

 

[tia]

One of my runners was a lot weaker than the others when it came out. It took a little while before it was up and around. I didn't think it was going to make it, but in a few hours I couldn't tell it from the others.

 

[becky3086]

This is not a duck story but might be helpful. I just hatched out a little black Japanese chick. It was pipped for 3 days before I finally helped it out and then it was real weak and just laid there. I left it in the incubator over night and the next morning, unfortunately, it was still just laying there. I dipped its beak in water and left it in there until I had to go to work that afternoon, then I felt I had to put it in the brooder with the other chicks. He couldn't stand and kept falling over and I didn't have much hope for him. By the time I got home at 7:00 he was up on his feet and walking around good with the rest.
Just have to give them a chance to get going. If your duck looks like he is getting worse, I would get his beak dipped in water.

 

[rainplace]

How's the duckling doing this morning?

 

[1lpoock]

Quote:
Must be something with those black japanese. I hatched out three myself and they were the only ones that needed help and when they were out, they were weak and all sticky....two made it, but one died. All the other breeds just popped right out!

 

[Laurelm]

Well today he's still not on his feet but looks a little better. After all I read and the help I have gotten on BYC it looks like spraddle legs. I made hobbles from a bandaide last night and put him in my brooder. As I understand it duck legs can be weaker than chicks and he/she may need the hobbles for a week or more.

Well see..I really want him to be okay.

Thank you!

 

[charlindabob]

Hi, make sure that the surface that the duck is attempting to stand on is not slippery. Sometimes newspaper is too slippery and can cause "spraddle leg" problems. Just a suggestion, I use that shelf no slip or slide type of material I get in a roll at Wal-Mart. Works for me and it is washable too.

 

[tonini3059]

Quote:
They work amazing for ducks! If you don't have any use a towel.