Runner duckling issues?

eggybritches

Songster
10 Years
Sep 12, 2009
288
0
119
Central Florida
This has been a scary batch of eggs I've had.

Out of six eggs all six have hatched.

Three are normal, no crests.

The one with the crest that is acting relatively normal has significantly smaller eyes and is a little slower than the others, but he is thriving.

Then there was a baby who hatched with an exposed brain.

My last egg hatched this morning and he still has some yolk left to absorb. I wrapped him in a damp paper towel and placed him in the incubator. His yolk is absorbing, but his belly is very distended. Also, there is this bright green (almost like melted crayon bright green) liquid on his butt area.

What do I do for him? Do you think he'll make it? I'm not hatching again for a while, this batch has made me a nervous wreck.
 
I could be wrong, but I've heard that crested birds sometimes have that problem with their skulls not being full formed. I'm not sure if it's an issue with crested to crested breeding, like frizzle to frizzle can cause issues, or if its some other genetic defect.

I would gently clean the "green" off the chick. Other than that, I don't have much good advice, besides keeping an eye on them. Good Luck, I'm sure some more folks will have some more suggestions.
 
The duckling is still alive. His yolk has absorbed but his stomach is severely distended. He can't walk or move around very well without scooting. He is significantly smaller than the other ducklings.

Any suggestions?
 
I don't understand crest? Runners ducks do not have crest.
The green is from the duckling being in the shell too long and pooping in the shell.
If it was my duckling I would (I hate to say it) I would cull it. If it can not walk then it can not function enough to get food and water.
Just my 2 cents.
Sorry for your strange hatch.
Sharon
 

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