The struggling Muscovy Perant

[MuscovyDucksJax]

Hello, im new to this community. Im not joining because of my pet or a chicken farm, but a Muscovy duck loves my fireplace oven to rest in. She lays eggs but only few struggle to live. This batch was laid 2 days ago begging with 8 the next day 2 was left today one was dead after I left food and water for them... its sad for me and many others so I want too know what happened. The last duckling was doing splits and couldn’t right it’s self when fallen backwards. After about 3 seconds of struggling he stopped closed his eyes and panted.

 

[Raenh]

It might be the ash and dust because they cant get to the water and they're breathing/probably trying to eat in the ash and anything else in it. Maybe you could get a small box to put them in that is kinda enclosed like the belly but on the ground where they can get to the water. Has the mother been back?

 

[Muscovy Wunda]

I would definitely say the enviroment of that little fire place would cause the issues. If you don't have the option to move them to safer location, putting in a box in there to get them off the soot would be best

 

[Muscovy Wunda]

Also what food are you offering? They have higher nutritional needs than baby chicks. Adding some extra niacin can help

 

[Kiwibird]

Welcome, @MuscovyDucksJax! If I understand correctly, this isn't your duck, it just chose to lay eggs in your outdoor fireplace. Thanks for caring about this duck and its babies.

I agree that the ashes may be part of the problem, even though the duck chose to lay her eggs among them. A box with layer of straw of pine shavings would be much better. The duckling will need water 24/7, and if it is doing poorly, it might like some chopped up hard-boiled egg yolk. Keep us posted, and we will help as much as we can.