The Poultry Keeper

leebarton · Joined: 02 Aug 2005 Posts: 365 Location: Elgin, NE Scotland

Hi all,

I am just hatching some appleyard duck eggs. The first three have come out fine, but the fourth one is still attached to the egg with its umbilical cord. It is quite cheepy in itself but obviousely can't get itself clear because it has taken a few days to get this far.

The question is what do we do now?

NannyP · Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2006 7:40 pm Post subject:

Most people will suggest that you leave it and let it manage itself. I know that must be a hard thing to do, but many older poultry keepers believe that if it doesn't manage to hatch without help, it'll not be a strong bird.
Sad

jaydee67 · Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2006 8:42 pm Post subject:

Make sure it doesn't dry out, keep the egg moist - but not soaking, use warm water. I personally would help if it is still stuck by bedtime, but that's me and others will not agree.

Ben · Moderator Joined: 17 Apr 2005 Posts: 1346

NannyP · Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2006 10:24 pm Post subject:

Nice one Ben, good luck LB Confused

Ben · Moderator Joined: 17 Apr 2005 Posts: 1346

I might have phrased that badly! Hmmm simple version is you have our support¬

NannyP · Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2006 10:32 pm Post subject:

Noooo, Ben, what you said was good and I was complimenting you Wink

Ben · Moderator Joined: 17 Apr 2005 Posts: 1346

leebarton · Joined: 02 Aug 2005 Posts: 365 Location: Elgin, NE Scotland

Thanks everyone for your support.

Here's an update.

The duckling was only attached by the umbilical cord. A friend of ours came over who has been lambing for the last few weeks and bravely cut the cord for us. We left Sniffley in the incubator for a while and I encouraged him to have a little chick crumbs and water and he is now sitting up quite happily.

So Sniffley has joined the others in the box under the heat. I thought the company may help his spirit, and if he does 'go' over night at least he isn't on his own.

He seems quite chirpy, but his legs do seem wonky at this stage so I guess we will see tomorrow if he makes it through the night and whether his legs are going to hold him up or not.

One thing is he certainly has fighting spirit so far. Do you think we could fit him with wheels if his legs don't work!!! Very Happy

I'm sure Ben can design something suitable. Very Happy

NannyP · Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2006 12:08 am Post subject:

Yep, wheels definately, and then you and Bhindi can sing "The wheels on the bus" etc Very Happy

mojo · Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2006 9:36 am Post subject:

one wheel on my ducky but hes still rolling along...........good luck hope he is a winner keep us posted

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

I'm pleased you had someone local who could lend a hand with your duckling. I hope he's fine this morning, please keep us updated

mojo · Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2006 9:52 am Post subject:

question why are ducklings boys and chicks girls...............just asking

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

I just assumed there was a difference at birth as leebarton referred to his duckling as 'he'.
Chickens are always girls because we don't want to have to find a new home for a cockerel

mojo · Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2006 10:01 am Post subject:

true ...true.....