I take my own pet ducks in for check ups. Over the last 7.5 years I have had 6 ducks and they have all had issues. These range from bumblefoot to cancer, and plenty in between. I have used several avian vets and I have found them to be incredibly valuable. Sometimes they save my pet's life...
Same, I also used vet wrap. I cut a long strip - long enough to go around the ankle of my duck over the part where the velcro is at least twice. Then I cut that in half length wise so it was thin. I would end the vet wrap with the end piece on that back of my duck's ankle so it was harder for...
My duck has had one a tiny bit bigger for maybe 6 years now. She's been to the vet for other problems and wellness check ups. I think it's fine, they never comment on it!
Yeah, I agree I wouldn't give them a kiddie pool in their coop either. That's asking for soggy bedding which is going to get moldy. You can let them have a kid pool outside when you supervise them and that'll be fine. They don't need to be able to swim all the time.
I would give them a bowl...
When watching your first videos at the beginning of this thread I could actually smell duckling poop. Apparently that's my strongest memory of having ducklings and I associate the adorable babies and sweet peeping with the constant smell of duckling poop. :-D
Hypercalcemia is the medical term for too much calcium. When I googled, "avian hypercalcemia I found very little." My cat has it - and it makes him aggressive (only with other cats/dogs), reduced pain tolerance, ataxia (wobbly), and has compromised his kidneys.
We also have well water with...
Personally I would be hesitant to offer the fish pellets. My reason is because they have vitamins/minerals added in amounts and ratios appropriate for fish and not ducks - or even birds.
The krill, being a whole food, seem fine as an occasional treat.
Maybe you can give it away to people with...
Thank you for rescuing her. I have had 3 dumped rescues myself, so they are special to me.
I'm happy to read that you are taking safety precautions seriously. Years ago I was unaware about month long quarantine recommendations so I just added my new rescue ducks into my existing flock. My...
Yes, mine had plenty of lovely freckles. Along with frequent vet visits. I don't think I ever asked about the bill freckles, but they never mentioned them either.
Like others have said, some of the babies can die in the shell. I've read the percentage is 25 from the neurological defect. Also the problem of the crest being tugged on during mating.
The adult crested ducks are also more likely to have nuerological problems, and we have had members here...
Having a high calcium level, indicated by a blood test, is normal for reproductively active (laying) ducks. It doesn't necessarily indicate a problem. I get preventative blood work done on my ducks regularly and my very experienced avian vet always says something like, "their calcium levels...
I didn't know you got more cayuga sweethearts! I've been somewhat absent in three last year....
Edit: I got my B names mixed up. I thought tutu girl was Barb. Isn't there a Barb?
I'm very sorry to hear about what you and your duck are dealing with. I experienced a similar situation with my duck, and I know how hard it is.
We did find several things that helped.
Increasing the metacam to over the recommended dosage, and giving it twice daily instead of once. We did...
Unfortunately I'm having some challenges myself recently. My partner has taken over duck duty for me as I am about to have spinal surgery. I miss my quackers, but I hear that they are doing well. I can hear Pigweed shout quacking at me from inside the house - entitled as always she wants me...