Inconsistent Poop - Indian Runner Duck

Hi everyone,

My Indian Runner Duck (Billy/Billie depending on Gender) is 3 weeks old and so far has been growing at a mad rate, however in the last two days his poo is often very runny. It is sometimes black or white, but whatever the colour it comes out with no solids.

It isn't every poo (many are fine) but it is often enough to cause a first time owner concern!

He mostly eats chick crums/grain/grit depending on what you call it and drinks tap water. In the last week I have been allowing him outside with me while I build fences and gates etc in which time he takes the opportunity to eat the vegetation and unsuspecting moths/spiders.

Generally he seems very happy - peeps non-stop all day and runs between his food and water sources, following me around and settling by my feet if I stand for any length of time. He doesn't appear to be in any pain and having checked thoroughly over his body I cannot see any parasites or sores or anything that would indicate something is amiss.

Is this normal to a growing duck or do I need to change his diet?

KP

Hi KP, welcome to BYC! I had the exact same concern when Wobbles first hatched, but don't worry. Your little one should be fine. Because their metabolism is so crazy, they poop nonstop. Sometimes their poops will be runny, sometimes they'll be solid, sometimes white, sometimes brown, sometimes green if you fed them peas!

As long as it's eating and pooping regularly and has a lot of vitality I think your ducky is fine. If her poop becomes consistently clear, green and liquid, and she's lethargic or not eating, then you need to take her to a vet ASAP. So just keep an eye on her. <3

Hope I've helped!

Amykins said:

Hi KP, welcome to BYC! I had the exact same concern when Wobbles first hatched, but don't worry. Your little one should be fine. Because their metabolism is so crazy, they poop nonstop. Sometimes their poops will be runny, sometimes they'll be solid, sometimes white, sometimes brown, sometimes green if you fed them peas!

As long as it's eating and pooping regularly and has a lot of vitality I think your ducky is fine. If her poop becomes consistently clear, green and liquid, and she's lethargic or not eating, then you need to take her to a vet ASAP. So just keep an eye on her. <3

Hope I've helped!

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You've helped me, I was going to ask the same question lol. Quackers is a pooping machine, the liquid brown squirts are the nastiest. Don't make it any better when you have dark brown hardwood floors & then you step in it barefoot lol.

Quackers Mama said:

You've helped me, I was going to ask the same question lol. Quackers is a pooping machine, the liquid brown squirts are the nastiest. Don't make it any better when you have dark brown hardwood floors & then you step in it barefoot lol.

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Ouch. Been there...

Hi everyone! I actually have the same questions. My ducks who are now 6 months old....almost never have solid bowl movements. I associate this with how much water they drink. Sometimes very dark and sometimes lighter. I wasn't ever concerned but figured it is a question worth asking. Mine are out roaming around all day eating who knows what and have access to water and swimming water 24/7. Think I should be concerned?

emmajane07 said:

Hi everyone! I actually have the same questions. My ducks who are now 6 months old....almost never have solid bowl movements. I associate this with how much water they drink. Sometimes very dark and sometimes lighter. I wasn't ever concerned but figured it is a question worth asking. Mine are out roaming around all day eating who knows what and have access to water and swimming water 24/7. Think I should be concerned?

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Do they have access to some kind of feed during the day? They may not be getting quite enough fiber. They may be perfectly fine, too, you may not have noticed the more solid ones.

They get fed in the morning and at night. They free range 3 acres from sun up till sun down.

I am going to guess their tummies are not very full, so they are not passing what they don't have. If they are maintaining a healthy weight, I don't think I would worry too much. Keep an eye on them, their weight and body condition. And keep us updated!

Thank you!

They look to be at a healthy weight to me. But, I am also nee to ducks

Thank you for all the help! He has been fine since and is eating and certainly pooping all the time... oh god that poop. He stays in my room with me otherwise he goes mad. I leave him on an old bed sheet with food and water, that way he sees I'm with him but he's happy enough to fall asleep with his cuddly polar bear I have to keep scented candles about the place at all times or it becomes overpowering haha!

KP