smokiechicken1969 Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 Hi my aylesbury is couple of months old. fit and healthy or so i thought. noticed yesterday and today that when she eats she is giving a cough when she swallows. i watched her tonight and as shes eating shes sort of stretching her neck slightly to one side too then does the little cough? she is perky and playful with no change in character other than when eating. im worrid something is stuck in her throat any body got any thoughts. will take her to the vets first thing if no suggestions? poor thing. chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokiechicken1969 Posted July 31, 2009 Author Share Posted July 31, 2009 sorry me agian, meant to add, the ducks steal the chickens mash, which is powdery? could this be making her cough and is it bad for ducks? there is always plenty of fresh water for them when they eat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 It could well be the mash - it shouldn't be given to ducks as they scoop their food rather than peck it up like hens. It will clog the nostrils of ducks. Is there any way you can keep the duck away from the mash? - or change to using pellets for both? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokiechicken1969 Posted July 31, 2009 Author Share Posted July 31, 2009 oh thank you so much for your reply. i didnt know that they arent supposed to have mash. i'll make sure they stay away from it from now on. they're so cheeky and the aylesbury loves to eat, and sneaks off the the chickens food to see whats available. do you think if i stop access to the mash the cough will clear or should i take her to the vets? the other duck is a wild rescued mallard and so far has been unaffected. no more mash! thanks again really apreciate it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 If she's otherwise healthy and well then I would just observe for a few days. If you are concerned at all then take her to the Vet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokiechicken1969 Posted August 8, 2009 Author Share Posted August 8, 2009 Hi lesley thank you for your invaluable advice. we've kept the ducks well away from the chickens food and the aylesburys cough has cleared up. they so know ive put the food where they cant reach it and they quack away in protest but sure they thank me in the long run. all the best xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted August 8, 2009 Share Posted August 8, 2009 I'm glad that's all it was - thanks for coming back to let us know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...