Are there 'runt' ducks?

[Gimmeaduck]

I bought two rouen ducklings that came from the same tank at Tractor Supply. The one duckling is so much smaller almost half the size of the other. It is also the one that sits all the time, walks to the water and then sits to drink. Paddles in the swimming tub of water but keeps one foot on the bottom.
The eat free choice, so they get plenty of organic crumbles and plent of water. I let them swim once a day in 4 inches of warm water and they swim and dive and enjoy themselves. but it bothers me that the one is tiny and has this odd behavior. Is there such a thing as runt ducks? is that possible.

 

[Bonwell]

How old are they? Do you have any pictures? And yeah, Runt ducks are possible, might just have to catch up.

 

[Gimmeaduck]

How old are they? Do you have any pictures? And yeah, Runt ducks are possible, might just have to catch up.

The one on the right is smaller, they are now almost two weeks and have grown but it is still smaller and actually feels boney too. Is there something I can give it to give it a boost or could it be that it is a female and the other a male?

 

[nchls school]

Yes. Not long ago I had one so small in the egg at hatch it was unable to reach the shell to externally pip-assisted hatch-a nice healthy duckling, but sssmmmmaaaalllllll in a big egg.

Runts in mammals are often the result of too many siblings and the mother's body can not provide enough nourishment. With ducks, I think it more a matter of genetics. Inbreeding could be a cause.

 

[Bonwell]

is there something I can give it to give it a boost

I've never dealt with this personally, but based on what I'm reading, just a simple probiotic in their water might help if it is indeed a runt.

 

[Gimmeaduck]

Yes. Not long ago I had one so small in the egg at hatch it was unable to reach the shell to externally pip-assisted hatch-a nice healthy duckling, but sssmmmmaaaalllllll in a big egg.

Runts in mammals are often the result of too many siblings and the mother's body can not provide enough nourishment. With ducks, I think it more a matter of genetics. Inbreeding could be a cause.

INBREEDING??? are you saying my duck is a redneck? just kidding I will talk to the feed store and see what options are out there.

 

[Gimmeaduck]

I've never dealt with this personally, but based on what I'm reading, just a simple probiotic in their water might help if it is indeed a runt.

I did talk to the vet, she suggest brewers yeast however neither she nor the feed store manager gave much hope for it to live. I gave them peas yesterday and today. I ordered some yeast. feed guy did not offer a probiotic for them, he did not act like he had one.