Carnival and Ducks

[2Gerootheducky]

Hi guys, so a couple of weeks ago, we decided to move our 2 ducks into a pen, since they were pooping all over the garden. This, coincided with a shortage of food, we didn't go to the market that week, and so we were giving them cut grass from the garden, as there is no food in the location of the pen. After a few days, the closed pen was rather small, and water spilled making the pen area look more like a swamp. Eventually, the grass began to rot, and close to 1 week in, a duck fell ill. He had botulism and passed away shortly after. Ever since we let the other Duck out again into the garden, and we got a Female Pekin Duckling to give him company. We left the pen as it is, and we never exactly knew what it was but we were scared the Ducks would get sick too if we put them there again. Now, in my country Bolivia, we are celebrating carnival, and the kids want to play with foam in the garden as is the tradition here. But, we know the foam would be bad for Ducks, and we are scared of putting them back in the pen. The pen has been disinfected and we could relocate it, but I mostly, am still paranoid. What could we do, to ensure the ducks are safe?

 

[CrystaBub]

I think the only thing that can kill botulism is chlorine bleach. I'd recommend you 'turn over' the material in their pen then spray it with a diluted bleach solution - allow it to dry completely then turn it over and spray one more time - if you haven't already... How long is Carnival? Could you just relocate the pen for a few days then put them back in the garden after the foam has been cleaned up? And keep some stuff on hand just in case one of them gets sick again. Either @Miss Lydia or @casportpony is there a sticky for botulism? I can't find it.

 

[CrystaBub]

I found the thread but need someone more experienced to weigh in on if this will help with botulism if the OPs ducks are exposed again.


Flushes**

Epsom Salt Flush:
3 Tsp. Epsom Salts.
1 ½ Cups water
¼ – ½ gram vitamin and electrolyte powder * Optional
2 – 3 times a day for 3 days or until a full recovery is made.


Molasses Flush:
1 cup Molasses
2 ½ gallons water
5 – 6 grams vitamin and electrolyte powder * Optional
! !Do not exceed 8 hours ! ! After 8 hours replace Molasses flush with vitamin and electrolyte water


Activated Charcoal Slurry
1 tsp. Activated Charcoal Powder
8 oz. – Pure Water
Dose 6 – 8 times daily

**These flushes will cause slight to moderate dehydration as they work to expel toxins and foreign matter from your birds system. After giving a flush, offer a steady supply of vitamin and electrolyte fortified water until a full recovery is made.

 

[Miss Lydia]

That's it @CrystaBub they have to follow direction to the T.