Please help! It's day 27 with no movement or internal pip from the duckling, what should I do?!

[LavenderDaFlerf]

Awww, he's adorable. He's probably snuggling with it because he's the only one in there.

 

[Kellyjenny]

I'm so happy for you. you did it I was exactly like you I was freaking out. And the goop is normal I don't know about ducks but after chicks are born they have this goopy stuff come out like they're umbilical cord and it's usually stuck to the shell until it pulls off.

 

[Kellyjenny]

I would definitely keep him for a while but it's all up to you to make that decision. I'm so happy for you He's so cute

 

[Cocelean]

I wouldn't risk it. It's avian influenza going around. If they dont want to risk giving them away, I dont see how they can risk bringing a duckling in... Also three weeks is a huge age gap and he'd be very likely to get picked on. If I were you, I would hold onto him and keep searching for other ducklings, in the mean time a mirror etc will help. You mentioned a friend who might have some, have you asked him/her if they have any young ducklings? It's a tricky situation!

I misheard her - turns out it was chicks rather than a duckling and she thought I had a chick lol - she knows someone who has ducks though and they'd be happy to take the duckling in but it's further away so the only journey I'll probably do is the one to get there! And back of course

I don't know if he sees me as a mum - I took him out to see how his legs were and he would not walk or come near me so I didn't get a good look at his walking ability - his legs keep going out to the side so I'm thinking maybe the small incubator's giving him issues?

 

[Cocelean]

I'm so happy for you. you did it I was exactly like you I was freaking out. And the goop is normal I don't know about ducks but after chicks are born they have this goopy stuff come out like they're umbilical cord and it's usually stuck to the shell until it pulls off.

I would definitely keep him for a while but it's all up to you to make that decision. I'm so happy for you He's so cute

Thank you so muchhh I'm literally so happy have him in my hands now - or well before my eyes! I'm definitely keeping him for a bit longer lol I can't part with him yet!

 

[Cocelean]

Awww, he's adorable. He's probably snuggling with it because he's the only one in there.

That explains it lol - I'll keep the cloth as his little comfort blankie then

 

[TheOddOneOut]

Does the duck have any hatchmates? Unless you can spend 24/7 with him, he needs a mom or buddy.
Also, do you have adult ducks/a setup for adult ducks?

 

[BelovedBirds]

I misheard her - turns out it was chicks rather than a duckling and she thought I had a chick lol - she knows someone who has ducks though and they'd be happy to take the duckling in but it's further away so the only journey I'll probably do is the one to get there! And back of course

I don't know if he sees me as a mum - I took him out to see how his legs were and he would not walk or come near me so I didn't get a good look at his walking ability - his legs keep going out to the side so I'm thinking maybe the small incubator's giving him issues?

Does it look like splayed legs? You can find some images and information online about splayed legs. That can be helped. Though I'm not sure if thats the case... Could you maybe get a photo of it? He was tumbling about and walking before wasn't he?

 

[BelovedBirds]

I misheard her - turns out it was chicks rather than a duckling and she thought I had a chick lol - she knows someone who has ducks though and they'd be happy to take the duckling in but it's further away so the only journey I'll probably do is the one to get there! And back of course

I don't know if he sees me as a mum - I took him out to see how his legs were and he would not walk or come near me so I didn't get a good look at his walking ability - his legs keep going out to the side so I'm thinking maybe the small incubator's giving him issues?

is he dried off and ready for the brooder yet?

 

[Cocelean]

Does the duck have any hatchmates? Unless you can spend 24/7 with him, he needs a mom or buddy.
Also, do you have adult ducks/a setup for adult ducks?

I'm still looking for a buddy for him, but in terms of set up, I have a brooder ready for him to go into and I'm planning to keep him inside because it's pretty cold and rainy, until he gets the feathers to protect himself from the cold or it gets warmer at which point he's going to be introduced to a flock of ducks a friend's acquaintance has - I don't have any ducks of my own, this is my first time hatching them as well.