Both of my WH died!

[duckking]

I am soooooo sorry. We had some ducklings shipped and only one arrived alive. We have had them shipped since with no problems. Sounds like it could have been a niacin deficiency? Don't let it put you off ducks. They are wonderful! Try again and start giving them a Poult Pack (Metzers) and extra niacin (not the flush free or no flush stuff). Add 100mg crushed into 1 gallon of water. I had a Rouen who was having leg problems and this treatment worked within days!

May your WH RIP

 

[firsthouse_mp]

I did do the flush-free Niacin but it may have been late. Started noticing this when they were already three days old. At first I thought it was their funny waddle, then I realized that it really was them not able to walk. I started the Niacin but they got weaker and weaker. When they arrived (just the two of them), they seemed "slow" but I figured they just needed some vitamins and water and food to bounce back. At times they seemed a bit stronger, but I guess they were just too weakened already to make it.

I will consider the ducks but am still a bit worried.....I had so looked forward to having them after lurking here for months.

 

[schellie69]

so sorry this happened to you.

 

[duckking]

Quote:
From what I understand, the flush free niacin does NOT work on ducks. It has to be the regular niacin. I'm so sorry you had such a bad experience and I know how upsetting it is, but don't give up! Ducks are awesome!

 

[tia]

So sorry about your ducks. I know that must have been a very heartbreaking experience. I wouldn't give up on ducks though. They are very special little creatures with such great personalities. I have never had any ducklings shipped but did order two adult birds and had a successful experience. I think it is difficult to ship such a small number of ducklings. I think if you want just a couple the suggestion of trying to find some locally is a good one. Either that or split a shipment with someone. Good Luck!!! They were lucky to have such a good family for the time that they were here.

 

[Cetawin]

Well first. what I fed was a 50/50 mix of Turkey Gamebird Non-medicated starter and non-medicated chick starter and did not lose a single shipped duckling. I also gave them lettuce cut up really small, a couple times per day in a small crock of water. They really are easy so they may have been weak to begin with. I suggest ordering from Holderread's in Oregon as they take great care in selecting strong ducklings to ship or incubate your own.

would you like WH eggs? My girls are laying right now, I have the Golden Welsh Harlequins. If you would like to incubate your own, I can send some GWH and Ancona duck eggs, just let me know.