1 week old duckling dying in my hands

[KatGold]

One hour ago, she was perfect, loud, alert, fine. Now, she's listless and appears to be about to die.

She's in the incubator now.

Have no idea what's happening. Don't have anything to offer. My daughters may have given her swim time in the sink, could she possibly have drowned?

Don't expect much, but casting a net.

 

[Pyxis]

Keep her warm, and maybe see if you can get some vitamins and/or sugar water into her. Don't push the issue, you don't want her to aspirate. Did you check her vent to make sure she's not pasted up? That could be the issue if you haven't.

 

[PAchickenlover]

What are you feeding the duckling? Medicated chick starter is toxic to ducklings.

 

[KatGold]

She is in the incubator right now where it's nice and warm.

I checked her vent, it was not pastey. I gave it a gentle squeeze and a little clear liquid came out.

I made some vitamin water with sugar and dipped her bill into it 3 times. Then I put her back in the bator.

While in the bator, she lies on her side with her head down on its side. She's breathing. Her eyes are shut. When I picked her up to dip her bill and check her vent, she perks up a little, but is very weak.

 

[KatGold]

She's been getting non-medicated organic chick starter. The brand, Coyote Creek, is a reputable, local farmer.

 

[PAchickenlover]

Could be a niacin deficiency. www.healthaliciousness.com/.../foods-high-in-niacin-vitamin-B3.php

 

[KatGold]

That link didn't work. Do you have another?

 

[PAchickenlover]

I found this site to have some helpfull tips and advice. animal-health.library4farming.org/.../Diseases-of-Ducks.html

 

[PAchickenlover]

I also have ducks. I found these sites to be helpfull. I hope they can help you.

 

[KatGold]

Thanks PA. I am looking through them now. I don't see any first aid type stuff, which is the only that that would help now, but I don't even think that would help. I think she's a goner. :-(