Bloated Ducklings

[sillygoose]

Hi there,
I have 5 ducklings; a rouen, indian runner, and 3 muscovies. My breeder told me that he starts feeding them layer ration at about 1 month old, so since they're all just over a month old, I mixed in a little bit of layer ration with their regular feed (chicken scratch and duck grower). This morning they all have plump, bloated bellies and are hiding in their house (this is unlike them). What can I do about this? I took the feed away,and let them swim in the pond for a while. They were all very active when I took them out of the pen. I fed them a little watermelon as well, and they ate it right up. Should I be concerned? What can I do to help them?
Thanks!

 

[CMV]

Stop feeding them layer pellets for a start. That damages their kidneys. Yeah, it won't kill/harm them immediately, but it shortens their overall life span. They have no way of excreting excess calcium, so it builds up and deposits in the kidneys building stones. Passing a kidney stone is like visiting the seventh circle of hell...I don't recommend it. Your little guys have no need of additional calcium at this age. Let them eat regular rations augmented with forage. Don't give them layer pellets until the first of them actually start laying. Then they should all be just about ready to need the extra calcium for healthy egg shell production.

I hope this helps. Good luck with them.