Weak 2-day-old Duckling

[lena_]

I think it was day 36 or 37. I know it was probably a bit early to give up on them. He and the other eggs were incubated in a second-hand one we bought a few months ago. We incubated a previous batch of Muscovy's, none of which hatched because when they were cracked open on day 40, the yolks still weren't absorbed and they ended up dying. I'm not sure if it's something wrong with our duck's eggs, the incubator, or I'm doing something wrong.
He responds to being touched and noises, whenever he hears my voice he'll shift his position slightly and cheep, and if possible he will crawl closer toward me. He likes to snuggle into my chest, I think my heartbeat is comforting to him.
What would be a normal sleeping position for a duckling and how would you suggest I get him into it?

You are doing well, all of the signs you have listed are good(if he was limp and unresponsive that would indicate some major problems). Ducklings will usually sleep lying down with their neck outstretched, however anything will do for your little one. My main concern for him is that his body will become stuck in that position, and he will be unable to move.

If you can gently wrap him in a blanket, towel or cloth, with his head unable to be tucked so close to hid body that would be best. However it appears to cause him pain or distress it may be best to put him back in his preferred position.

I'm very tired and want to sleep, I'll see you in the morning

 

[Nighthawk78]

Thanks for the help @Saaniya and @Feather Hearts ! I'll see how he's going tomorrow and let you know!

 

[chickens really]

He was too early to hatch. No need to give it anything till it finds its legs. That can take a couple of days if it survives?. It's still absorbing its yolk reserves it has in its body. Don't handle as often until it begins to recover. I hope it all goes well..

 

[Nighthawk78]

He was too early to hatch. No need to give it anything till it finds its legs. That can take a couple of days if it survives?. It's still absorbing its yolk reserves it has in its body. Don't handle as often until it begins to recover. I hope it all goes well..

Yeah, I thought he would still be fine for a few days food-wise. Thanks, I'll see how he goes and keep you guys posted

 

[staceyj]

It's pediatrician syrup @staceyj known well from where u can got this ..if you live in USA maybe from a pharmacy store

Poly vi sol drops (Without iron) is an infant vitamin supplement that happens to work well on chicks and ducklings. It’s great to keep in your first aid “kit”.
Generally costs around $12.
The kind withOUT iron is a little challenging to track down, but easy to order on line.

 

[Eggcessive]

Poultry NutriDrench is a good vitamin-mineral- electrolyte for chickens, available at most feed and livestock stores. Give a couple of drops daily. I hope you duckling survives.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Bless its heart such a precious little one. If you think putting the duckling on your chest makes it more comfortable then by all means do that. When I had to rescue a newly hatched duckling from it's mama who was attacking it. I kept it on me as much as possible had a towel draped over my shoulder and when I sat down it would climb up under the towel like going under mama with feathers. A little water with Nutri drench added or straight from the bottle since it can be given straight. Just a few drops at a time. Directions on the bottle. 36-37 days seems not over long for a Muscovy duckling to hatch maybe your temps were too low.

 

[Saaniya]

Thanks for the help @Saaniya and @Feather Hearts ! I'll see how he's going tomorrow and let you know!

No need for thanks if we can help and save his life that's the biggest thing I'm truly sure he gonna survive and live his life happy sometimes vitamin nd supportive care help alot don't give up
Keep updating his health

 

[Miss Lydia]

@Nighthawk78 how's the duckling doing ?

 

[happy duck]

@Nighthawk78 how's the duckling doing ?

She said she would tell more about him tomorrow.



He is such a sweetie!!! I just want to cuddle him. had to be an early hatch, but does not seem late for a Muscovy so must have been temp that caused this. By the way this is not your fault( just thought you needed to know). Even if you did want to hatch the duckling and knew you were we can't help the way ducks develop....sometimes they just form different. Yes like others said I wold wait until he gets some more movement and then begin to feed. Keep us posted!!! and I have my fingers crosses for this little buddy!!!