Strange Hatching

[Miss Lydia]

I read that but nothing on what might be going on with this duckling do you see any correlation? Maybe the diet of the mama?

 

[Isaac 0]

I read that but nothing on what might be going on with this duckling do you see any correlation?

Sorry, I'm not up to date. If a deficiency in vitamin A can cause neurological-like symptoms?

 

[NCVic]

I did not find anything either (on the Vitamin A) but I take it and they are so small that I just used the syringe to poke a hole in it and put a couple of drops on the food.
No noticeable differences yet & also giving electrolytes, probiotics and vitamins in the water, those packets they sell at the feed store.
It's outside today in a very protected area. I sat out with it yesterday and it seemed to like the sunshine so I am hoping this will help. We'll see.

 

[NCVic]

Update: Monday morning I put the duckling out in a sheltered area that was set up for the Momma chicken & her chicks. It had food & water so I figured it would be ok. It seemed happy, liked the sun. While it was out I cleaned the bathroom up & decided I would not keep it in there anymore. I have a cage that I have used for injured ducks/chickens so set it up for the duckling. It was in the garage and seemed ok. The Mom was being chased by too many drakes and she heard it singing. She started calling to her baby & it started answering. I felt awful.
Tuesday I was going out to plant trees in the yard so I took the duckling with me, set it a good distance away so I wouldn't hurt it with my digging. I looked up and it was coming toward me & made it all the way without falling over - I was amazed. Had never seen that before & never saw it again. It's Mom came by and called to it so it stumbled and tripped and fell over getting to her. She was patient, waiting for it to catch up. I watched the process off & on all day long. Last I saw the group was headed for the pasture where the food, water and ponds are. I opened the gate wondering if the little one would be able to get through the little hole in the fence that the other babies went through. I got called away and that was the last time I saw the duckling. I do not know what happened, have to assume a hawk got it. If the Mom left it outside the fence, flipping and flopping, I am sure a hawk would have seen it clearly. Again, no idea exactly what happened, I keep my eyes open for any movement in the yard that might indicate it has made it but have seen nothing yet.
Wanted to say thanks for all the advice - I think the little guy was happy outside with his Mom. And yes, I am crying!

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

 

[Isaac 0]

 

[quackingdom]