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Call Duck walks backwards at times, help!

Discussion in 'Ducks' started by Tessaturtle, Jan 20, 2013.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Jan 20, 2013 #1
    Tessaturtle

    Tessaturtle Out Of The Brooder

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    Apr 24, 2012
    New Hampshire
    One of our young call duck hens walks backwards sometimes, kind of like doing the moonwalk. One time she also seemed to be moving her head and neck up and down while doing it. At first I thought it was part of her mating dance because when I witnessed it, she then immediately walked forward to a male and started bobbing her head up and down like the others do when trying to mate. But when my DH saw her tonight (his first time seeing it happen) he said she walked backwards like she was trying to back out of something. Is something wrong with her? She seems fine everywhere else. Is it something in the brain? Please help!
     
  3. Jan 21, 2013 #2
    duckluck

    duckluck Dulcimyrh Ducks

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    Oct 22, 2009
    Illinois
    Maybe check her for signs of choke? Coughing, gasping, acting like she is trying to swallow? When I've had one choke, I've taken a bit of olive oil and dribbled it slowly down the throat by dripping it onto the tongue, then gently massaging the duck's throat. Could just be a flukey behavior though...every now and then they can do something odd we don't understand. And I'm quite sure I've seen a hen back away when she was spoiling for a fight with another duck...kind of like "come any closer and you'll be sorry!"
     
    Last edited: Jan 21, 2013
  5. Jan 21, 2013 #3
    ChilliDuck

    ChilliDuck Out Of The Brooder

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    May 23, 2012
    I have 2 call ducks and they both do this strange moonwalk also. Not sure what it is but they have always done it since they were adults. I always assumed it was somthing to do with their digestion or trapped wind. I don't think its anything to worry about.
     
    Last edited: Jan 21, 2013

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