Register or log in:

Farming Friends Forum » Ducks

HELP! Newly Hatched Chick, Massive lack Of Balance

(9 posts)
  • Started 2 years ago by ChandraCirca
  • Latest reply from campbell ridge

  1. ChandraCirca
    Member

    Hi.

    Just hatched out 10 Aylesbury ducklings in an incubator.
    All are fine apart from one.
    He is 3 days old now. Since hatching he hasn't been able to balance properly. He is physically able to use his legs. He is able to swim fairly well but simply cannot stand properly without falling over. He falls to the right and just keeps falling the right after he gets up.

    I think it's neurological as there is nothing physical wrong as far as I can see. It's like he knows what he wants to do but his brain can't make his legs do it. He can eventually make his way around (to the food/water, back to the others) but not without banging into the sides and constantly falling over.
    Strangely he can swim quite well. . . much better than he can walk, so I'm convinced it's balance and neurology.

    It's horrible to watch but he's the friendliest little duckling and I really don't want to have to put him down.
    I've left it 3 days but there's been no real improvement.
    It's like he's never moved on from the intial wobbliness to be expected from a newly hatched egg.

    Has anyone ever experienced this? Please help. Any help gratefully received.

    ps: I've hatched out quite a few clutches before so I've covered all the usual stuff such as cleaniness, feed, water, contamination etc etc.

    Posted 2 years ago #
  2. campbell ridge
    Administrator

    This sounds a bit like Lisa's little duckling that had a twisted neck and would over balance. He may have a neurological problem, but it may be just weak muscles. Help him build up his strength by lots of food, water and swimming - but without tiring him out. Hopefully Lisa may be able to help a little bit more. I will give her a nudge.
    Sarah

    Sarah L
    Posted 2 years ago #
  3. lisamaslen
    Member

    Hi yes this sound like what one of my ducklings had, its called star gazing, mine had no control over any neck muscles, and would just flip over, with a lot of TLC the ducking was fine, what i did was to cut a small bit if card and made a small neck brace and secured it with surgical tape just to give the duckling a bit if support and it was able to walk around, i didnt keep it on all the time may be just 30 mins every couple of hours, and just held t a lot,I had it hold im when he was eating and drinking,if you google star gazing there is a good page, good luck with you little duckling keep us updated
    lisa

    lisa x
    Posted 2 years ago #
  4. Hi ChandraCirca,

    Here is a link to another post on the forum about star gazing with some links http://farmingfriends.com/forums/topic.php?id=642#post-3669

    Hope your duckling will be ok.
    kind regards
    Sara @ farmingfriends

    Posted 2 years ago #
  5. ChandraCirca
    Member

    Evening everyone and thank you very much for the advice.
    I'd been searching the internet all day and found nothing, and probably wouldn't have so thank you very much.

    This almost certainly sounds like the problem.
    I have to say, this duckling's neck isn't really twisted -- it has a large amount of control of moving its head and eating/drinking -- but it definitely has most of the issues you describe.

    I'm still in two minds as to whether to cull it or persist. . . my main worry being the quality of life that it's having all the while I'm trying to save it. It's very weak and separating it from the others makes it even more sad and pathetic.

    Again, thank you so much for the quick responses. I'll keep you all posted

    Posted 2 years ago #
  6. ChandraCirca
    Member

    Hi Sara, Lisa, Campbell Ridge. . . just a quick update.
    Sadly I came back from work this evening and she had passed away. Hardly surprising given how weak she had become. The struggle of movement and even just staying still just sapped the energy out of her.

    Very, very sad, but also just meant to be I guess :(

    Ending on a good note though; 9 other very healthy ducklings will live on in her name and make her proud :)

    Thank you again for your help and advice. I am now more educated on the subject and that can only be a good thing.

    Posted 2 years ago #
  7. Awww sorry to hear but happy you have 9 other healthy ducklings :)

    Natural Home-made Creams & Soaps. Based in the heart of the countryside <3
    http://kelebekskincare.wordpress.com
    Posted 2 years ago #
  8. Mama
    Member

    Very sad news ChandraCirca but as you say it was meant to be .Agree with Munise great news about the other ducklings . May they bring lots of joy and please keep us updated . Best wishes ,Mama

    Goose Girl
    Posted 2 years ago #
  9. campbell ridge
    Administrator

    Hi Chandra, Nature sorts out the weaker ones and it wasn't meant to be. Good luck with the remaing 9! :-)
    Sarah

    Sarah L
    Posted 2 years ago #

RSS feed for this topic

Reply

You must log in to post.