One of my ducklings is half the size of the other?

[xxsamigirlxx]

I hatched two Indian Runner ducklings last week, and one is half the size of the other, they did hatch two days apart but the smaller one doesn't seem to have grown at all. This is the first time I've incubated and owned duck so I'm not sure what could cause this. I was wondering if this could indicate that the larger one is male? As well as being bigger he is also darker in colour. When the smaller one hatched it hadn't fully absorbed its yolk , however after a few hours it was absorbed, would that have effected her size? Other than being small she is doing very well, they're both fed ad-lib on chick crumb (a brand which is suitable for ducks) and they are both eating fine, and as you can see from the picture they are also adept swimmers, its only her size which I'm concerned about. I do apologize if I am asking silly question but I've only ever owned chickens so I'm not experienced with ducks. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank You, Sammi.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I hatched two Indian Runner ducklings last week, and one is half the size of the other, they did hatch two days apart but the smaller one doesn't seem to have grown at all. This is the first time I've incubated and owned duck so I'm not sure what could cause this. I was wondering if this could indicate that the larger one is male? As well as being bigger he is also darker in colour. When the smaller one hatched it hadn't fully absorbed its yolk , however after a few hours it was absorbed, would that have effected her size? Other than being small she is doing very well, they're both fed ad-lib on chick crumb (a brand which is suitable for ducks) and they are both eating fine, and as you can see from the picture they are also adept swimmers, its only her size which I'm concerned about. I do apologize if I am asking silly question but I've only ever owned chickens so I'm not experienced with ducks. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank You, Sammi.

Hi and congrats on your ducklings, they are adorable. As for her size as long as she is doing everything normal, eating drinking etc she will most likely catch up. I don't think at this age you can tell drake from duck though. Maybe get some vitamins and add to their water Poultry Nutri drench is a good choice. Also make sure your feed has the amt of niacin a duckling needs, most chick feed doesn't have enough and some ducklings can develop Neurological and leg issues because of it. Niacin is very inexpensive and can be sprinkled right on top of their water. They sure look healthy. More pics when you get a chance and

 

[fowl farm]

Cute!

 

[xxsamigirlxx]

Thank you for the advice, I'll pay a visit to my local poultry feed store for vitamin supplements, I'll keep an eye on her progress, and I will post lots more pictures

 

[Lamar Estate]

I had a duckling, Cooper (named after my MINI Cooper car), that grew at a much slower rate than her 2 siblings. Beaker, her duck mom, hatched the ducklings herself. She did a much better job than any of the times I've incubated the eggs artificially.

I was really worried about her size. She also was born with a tuft, just like her duck mom. People on this forum warned me that she could have neurological problems. People also told me that they've had ducklings with the same problem and they turned out okay.

She eventually caught up to her siblings in size. It's been a year and a half now and Cooper is doing very well.

Cooper is pictured on the far left.


Cooper is pictured on the far right.


Cooper is pictured on the far left. Her siblings are next to her. Her duck mom, Beaker, is behind her.

 

[Carcajou]

Cute ducklings and welcome to BYC