Possible Neurological/Physiological Issue in Duckling

[Tannerpauldean]

I just hatched out a mallard duck that can't seem to hold its head in the right place. It keeps whipping it backward into its back. In watching this duckling move around, it cannot keep its balance and spends a lot of its time on its back, unable to properly stand. The duckling only hatched about 14 hours ago. Is this something to be concerned about, or will it grow out of it as it adjusts to life outside of the shell? If it has no chance of improvement I would rather cull it now. But if it might get better I would really like to add this mallard to my flock. Thanks in advance.

 

[Tannerpauldean]

 

[DuckyDonna]

I just hatched out a mallard duck that can't seem to hold its head in the right place. It keeps whipping it backward into its back. In watching this duckling move around, it cannot keep its balance and spends a lot of its time on its back, unable to properly stand. The duckling only hatched about 14 hours ago. Is this something to be concerned about, or will it grow out of it as it adjusts to life outside of the shell? If it has no chance of improvement I would rather cull it now. But if it might get better I would really like to add this mallard to my flock. Thanks in advance.

Watch this video and maybe you can try it. I'm sure others will chime in soon!

 

[Table4Six]

Since it only hatched fourteen hours ago, I would give it time. It may just be finding its footing. Some take longer than others. Would it be possible to supplement a Vitamin B complex in their water?

 

[Tannerpauldean]

@DuckyDonna That's exactly what's happening! I will definitely try this today. Hopefully my wife will be okay letting me appropriate one of her socks...

 

[DuckyDonna]

@DuckyDonna That's exactly what's happening! I will definitely try this today. Hopefully my wife will be okay letting me appropriate one of her socks...

I'd get some B-complex too. It comes in handy for all ducks so it's good to have! TSC has it! $14.99 for the big bottle

 

[Tannerpauldean]

What is the purpose of the B vitamins? What does it help with?

 

[casportpony]

What is the purpose of the B vitamins? What does it help with?

I had a couple of chicken chicks with something similar and gave them about 0.15 ml of that vitamin that @DuckyDonna posted a picture of, and in a few hours, both were 100% normal.

In mine I suspected a thiamine deficiency.

 

[DuckyDonna]

What is the purpose of the B vitamins? What does it help with?

I'm not exactly sure what it does but I know it helps with leg issues and basically just about everything else. People swear by it and you don't have to worry about giving it too much because they will just pee out what they don't need. @casportpony can explain what it does. She's the expert along with @Miss Lydia and others.

 

[Tannerpauldean]

Sounds like everyone agrees the vitamins are the way to go! I'll stop by the store on my way home. Probably a good idea to keep the stuff around.