Urgent - Duckling hatched and hit head

[robinaggie]

I went to pick up my Khaki Campbell ducks that were being incubated for me. What I found was that the eggs had never been moved from the incubator to the hatcher, so one hatched chick was killed by the fan, and another chick had fallen to the bottom of the giant 'bator but appeared to be ok (but filthy).

Now that we're home and cleaned up, I see that this chick's head is horribly swollen on top. The chick is lethargic and won't drink. I have two other ducklings that I was able to help hatch and save, so in comparison to those, this chick's head is twice as big as it should be.

Is there anything to be done for this baby?

 

[JennsPeeps]

I don't have any expertise but I'd say give it time and rest. Sounds like a wait & see situation.

 

[DuckLady]

Agreed.

 

[BantyHugger]

Without any open wounds there isn't much we can do. It may have some pressure build up. Its definitely wait and see. No drinking, be prepared to lose this 1.

 

[robinaggie]

Please pardon my expression of anger, but I have to blow off steam or explode:

These eggs were incubated as a favor. I understand that I should be grateful. But if someone is going to do something for you, they should do it right - especially if it involves life. Six little ducklings died in their shells, fully formed, yolk not absorbed, never pipped because they were left in a rotating incubator at low humidity when they should have been put into a hatcher. I opened those eggs and examined the dead ducklings. I also had to remove the beautiful dead duckling from the blade of the fan. I'm going to end up with two ducklings instead of the 10 I should have. I'm not happy.

 

[JennsPeeps]

I don't blame you at all. If someone entrusts their hatch to you, you should treat it as if you wanted to hatch them out for yourself. Leaving them turning with low humidity is irresponsible if you've hatched out before and know what you're doing.

 

[robinaggie]

Thanks to everyone who tried to help. The duckling is still alive. This morning I found it swimming in its water bowl and drinking. Its head is still quite swollen, it sleeps alot, and it walks in circles. I am continuing to try to feed it.

 

[JennsPeeps]

Thanks for updating us. Please let us know how the little one progresses.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Quote:
I think she left BYC. Her title says "flew the coop".

 

[JennsPeeps]

That's not based on how many postings she's had?

What a bummer.