Thread formerly known as Hatch day is today

[ChristineR]

Thank you, Christine! He's looking better (first pic). He's fluffed out, but while all the other ducklings are busy running around he just sits in one spot. When I put my hand down by him, he tries to stand up, but can't quite do it. Then, he lays his head down (second pic). I've noticed the other ducklings doing this too, when they are really tired. Maybe he just needs some more time and rest. I wonder if I should give him some sugar water or if he wouldn't even take it at this point, since he's only been out for about six or seven hours. People are coming by today to take a few of the other ducklings. I might have to hang onto this one, I don't think he's ready to go yet.

I would let him rest for awhile. You could offer some water with Chick Saver or something like that in it.

 

[Coyote Night]

He is looking a lot better but yeah I don't think he's ready to leave yet. Your doing good so far

 

[Iain Utah]

Nice to see he is hanging in there! A dash of sugar water could help. I like to add polyvisol drops (without iron) to water for weak ducklings.

 

[Pyxis]

I had a duckling hatch all the way out while still attached to her yolk sac and she made it, so don't give up!

I also thought I'd update you all on my predator problem. It came back and killed my last duck. My drake Crackers stepped in and he got attacked too, but he made it. There's a thread going about him so I won't bother going into details, but needless to say I have a house duck for now. Anyway I found the predator's den and it had dragged the female duck carcass my dad had disposed of into it. Actually my dog found it and tried to break into the den, then dragged the carcass out when I spotted it and told him to do so. Good retriever. Anyway now it has no food source and I've baited a trap near its den so soon it's going to be a dead predator. Pretty sure it's a mink so I'll be selling it to guy who works with their pelts. Not gonna release it elsewhere and turn it into someone else's problem.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

I had a duckling hatch all the way out while still attached to her yolk sac and she made it, so don't give up!

I also thought I'd update you all on my predator problem. It came back and killed my last duck. My drake Crackers stepped in and he got attacked too, but he made it. There's a thread going about him so I won't bother going into details, but needless to say I have a house duck for now. Anyway I found the predator's den and it had dragged the female duck carcass my dad had disposed of into it. Actually my dog found it and tried to break into the den, then dragged the carcass out when I spotted it and told him to do so. Good retriever. Anyway now it has no food source and I've baited a trap near its den so soon it's going to be a dead predator. Pretty sure it's a mink so I'll be selling it to guy who works with their pelts. Not gonna release it elsewhere and turn it into someone else's problem.

So sorry you had another attack. A good predator is a dead predator. Good luck hunting,trapping it. Hope Crackers recovers for you well and you can get him new friends after taking care of that pred.



bhh............very cute ducklings, congrats and good job with the first hatch. As Marty said it is addictive so dont be surprised if you want to do it again.


Busy as always around here...........Today was official retirement day for hubby from Air Force! had a customer bring us a homemade wine and steaks to celebrate. Fun knowing he never has to report again or be deployed to parts unknown.

Hope everyone is staying warm and safe, saw the winter storm news today. Cant imagine doing waterfowl in snow.

 

[Coyote Night]

I had a duckling hatch all the way out while still attached to her yolk sac and she made it, so don't give up!
I also thought I'd update you all on my predator problem. It came back and killed my last duck. My drake Crackers stepped in and he got attacked too, but he made it. There's a thread going about him so I won't bother going into details, but needless to say I have a house duck for now. Anyway I found the predator's den and it had dragged the female duck carcass my dad had disposed of into it. Actually my dog found it and tried to break into the den, then dragged the carcass out when I spotted it and told him to do so. Good retriever. Anyway now it has no food source and I've baited a trap near its den so soon it's going to be a dead predator. Pretty sure it's a mink so I'll be selling it to guy who works with their pelts. Not gonna release it elsewhere and turn it into someone else's problem.

I would love to know what got your ducks so keep us updated. I too have a similar situation except I know exactly what got my $400 worth of silkie ducks. Bobcats in my case but my dog (miniature poodle mix) tracked down the trail that led all the way back to a den along the creek duck feathers at the entrance as well as on the trail leading to it. So far they have not been back (I suspect from our scent all over their trail) but trap is set and waiting I do think the trap needs to be closer to the den but the men in my family always know best

Sucks being under attack and sorry you lost them all

 

[bhhastin]

Thanks for all the help guys! So sorry about your duck, Pyxis. I can't imagine how sad it must be when you are attached to them.

Two of my ducklings just got taken home by their new family and I'm a little sad, only had them a couple of days. Five more left, someone will be coming tonight or tomorrow for 2-3 more. I think I'm gonna hang on to the runt and at least one other, maybe two if it looks like he might not make it. However, he's doing so well now, I can't even tell him apart unless the others all run around and he stays put. That's him in the pic on the left, chilling out while everyone else runs around. After the pic, I got him to sip some sugar water and he actually moved around the brooder some. Now they're all hanging out together under the heating lamp, probably a bit chilly, they're short two buddies now.

 

[ChampionAlex]

Nice I wish I had people around here who would buy my ducklings.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thanks for all the help guys! So sorry about your duck, Pyxis. I can't imagine how sad it must be when you are attached to them.

Two of my ducklings just got taken home by their new family and I'm a little sad, only had them a couple of days. Five more left, someone will be coming tonight or tomorrow for 2-3 more. I think I'm gonna hang on to the runt and at least one other, maybe two if it looks like he might not make it. However, he's doing so well now, I can't even tell him apart unless the others all run around and he stays put. That's him in the pic on the left, chilling out while everyone else runs around. After the pic, I got him to sip some sugar water and he actually moved around the brooder some. Now they're all hanging out together under the heating lamp, probably a bit chilly, they're short two buddies now.

How many did you hatch? I was thinking you only hatched 6 and the count is up to 7 that have already gone to new homes? I must have missed something. Glad the runt seems to be getting stronger...

 

[Marty1876]

bhhastin-

Your baby will come around, difficult hatches leave them weak. I add a pinch of sugar, and a few grains of salt to my water for them, especially rough hatches like that. Looks to me like the yolks absorbed, and with him being talky I'd say you won't know him from the others in a day or two. Do keep him calm for now, but by morning, he'll be about up with the others probobly.

Congrats!!!