Cayuga Ducklings Have Low Survivability

[GarrettW]

I typically hatch Cayuga ducklings along with Pekin ducklings every year trying to build up numbers, but the Cayuga ducklings seem to have a way lower survivability than the Pekins. They are always born a lot weaker than other types of ducks as well. Is this a common issue?

 

[rascal66]

I don't really have a clue about ducks, but how are the breeding birds? Are they older? Do you think they might have any health/diet concerns at all? If I find that chicks from them are hatching weak, I'd try to see if I need to maybe provide some extra vitamins or such.

I remembered once when hatching and raising Diamomd Doves, the eggs wouldn't hatch until I began offering vitamins. They must have been lacking something that the vitamins helped to supplement. I was young and a total novice at the time, so not 100% sure if lack of vitamins was really the issue or not. However, just an idea to consider.

 

[Percipen]

I havent noticed this. Where are the eggs from? My only experience with hatching cayuga eggs are ones shipped from metzer and I've never noticed a lower survival rate compared to welshies and indian runners (ive never hatched pekins)

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Are your cayuga's related by any chance? Inbreeding can cause issues with hatch rates along with the adult birds overall health.

 

[GarrettW]

Are your cayuga's related by any chance? Inbreeding can cause issues with hatch rates along with the adult birds overall health.

The eggs have been from a neighbors Cayuga ducks, which have most likely been inbred accidentally. I didn't think inbreeding would affect them that much.

 

[rascal66]

The eggs have been from a neighbors Cayuga ducks, which have most likely been inbred accidentally. I didn't think inbreeding would affect them that much.

To my knowledge you can inbreed a couple generations before seeing serious issues, but maybe I'm.wrong?