Part 0800.0005

[batcatz]

Hi, noticed my 5 week old duck was not herself this morning. I let her out, she went in pool etc. She looked unwell and I don't think she's been preening. She was fine yesterday. About an hour later found out laying in chicken run with head on floor, picked her up and warmed her on lap. She wanted to go to brother so I let her walk around a bit. Gave her a snail as don't think she is eating and she bent to pick it up and had a fit! She went completely stiff, legs straight out, body stiff, neck right back and I thought she was dead. I picked her up and held her neck straight. She is alive, very quiet and sitting on my lap. Her beak feels hot. Will she live or is this a heriditary thing? Very shocked as she was absolutely fine yesterday and I was getting attached to her lively, cheeky nature. I suspect she has had a couple of fits in the night? Anything I can do for her?

 

Edit to add: Diet is allen & page duck growers which they have been on since 3-4 weeks. Spinach daily, sweetcorn, peas sometimes and loads of snails. Drake is totally fine. Been fine up to today. Have been freeranging in the garden daily too.

[jensen1234]

Hope All is ok

[miller30]

Hi batcatz sorry to hear about your duckling could she have eaten any kind of poison like rat or anything it could be anything all you can do is keep an eye on her she may recover but it doesnt sound good ducks tend to show no symptoms and then just drop if shes up to it mix her growers into a sloppy mix and see if you can tempt her just make sure she has plenty of water if she really is no better in a few days and seems to be suffering i would try and find someone or a vet to help you do the kindest thing leanne.

[batcatz]

She is still alive and fitting less often. Gone from about every 5 mins to 44 mins/hour now. Beak is still hot, but looking less purple. Syringing water and hoping she will make it. I think she might have eaten a poison plant or caterpillar maybe. Not sure as Drake is fine. Me and my neighbour do not use slug pellets and no rat poison. She ate a few bits of sweetcorn and tiny bit of tuna earlier. Will keep her inside tonight and hope she makes it through the night. She is not interested in food, but opens her beak a bit and swallows when I give her water.

[miller30]

keep doing what your doing as you wont get a vet until monday and im yet to find one that knows anything about ducks give us an update in the morning goodluck leanne

[batcatz]

Hi, she didn't make it. So, so sad. Her brother seems fine today as he is with the chickens, but may be lonely at night as they cuddled up together.

 

She had only just died when I checked her before going to bed. I think it was a neurological problem as she started acting very odd i.e dabbling and doing rhythmic movements with her beak as if she'd had a stroke. I even ran her a warm bath to test if she was dabbling - she was and she wanted to dabble. She had a last swim, but was going round in circles and dabbling, attempted to swim under water and had another fit. At this point I wrapped her in a towel and left her for an hour or so and when I came back she had died. In a way it was relief that she was no longer suffering.

 

Thanks for your support. xx

[jensen1234]

So sad to here, lets hope the others are fine

[miller30]

Hi Batzcat i know you are feeling sad at the moment but just remember she had a great 5 weeks and it was quick and she isnt suffering anymore when your ready why dont you think about maybe a friend for the little boy if not he should be fine with the chickens take care leanne

[coppers]

So sorry to hear the sad news. x

[batcatz]

Gosh it was horrible and I feel sorry for the drake as he cheeps for his mum when she goes to bed. She has stopped saving the best treats for him and he has to run after her if she pinches a snail, before I can give it to him. lol.

 

Anyway, as I felt sorry for him I have purchased a Brinsea mini advance and ordered 7 duck eggs. gulp. Also my birthday pressie and to cheer me up! I had to order from ebay again and have 4 white campbell eggs and 3 chocolate campbell eggs coming. What have I let myself in for? They will have to be in a brooder in my house for the first few weeks and I know how messy they are, and how quick they grow.