Crested ducks

[Cheeki]

I swore I’d never buy any more Pekins, but the other day TSC has “varied” ducklings... which usually means Pekin around here.
Anyway, there was a single crested duck in the bunch so I had to get it.
It’s been three weeks and the other one ( had to buy two) is three times the size of the crested. Are crested ducks usually smaller than their normal counterparts? They’re both healthy and happy. I’m just curious.

 

[Pyxis]

Crested ducks can have a lot of issues due to the crest. Mostly it's neurological issues, but it's possible it could cause other issues too. This is because the crest is a ball of fat and connective tissue that sits on the skull, and it's fed by veins that actually create holes in the skull and connect directly into the brain. So the crest is directly connected to the brain, making them more prone to brain damage.

The crest also causes fat deposits inside the skull and the brain itself, which can impair the brain. A lot of crested ducks have trouble walking, and might have seizures and other issues.

But, it would be worth trying to give her vitamins to give her a boost, in case it's not related to the crest. You might try adding nutri drench to their water to get her some extra vitamins. Also make sure she's eating okay and not being bullied away from the food.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I’ve never heard that before are you sure it’s a Pekin or possibly the other one is a jumbo? Is the crested eating good and doing normal duckling things?

 

[Cheeki]

Crested ducks can have a lot of issues due to the crest. Mostly it's neurological issues, but it's possible it could cause other issues too. This is because the crest is a ball of skin that sits on the skull, and it's fed by veins that actually create holes in the skull and connect directly into the brain. So the crest is directly connected to the brain, making them more prone to brain damage.

The crest also causes fat deposits inside the skull, which can impair the brain. A lot of crested ducks have trouble walking, and might have seizures and other issues.

But, it would be worth trying to give her vitamins to give her a boost, in case it's not related to the crest. You might try adding nutri drench to their water to get her some extra vitamins. Also make sure she's eating okay and not being bullied away from the food.

Thank you. I watch them a lot and the crested seems to be the leader of the two. They had a swim the other day to cool off from the heat and the big one cowered in the shallow end until the crested one waddled to the deeper water and started bathing. Then the big one did the same.
The crested is also the first one to go for the food when I fill it up.
I’ll try giving it a boost. It’s really a precious little thing.
I just had a feeling it had been looked over by other customers because of the crest. I felt like it needed rescuing. Lol

 

[Cheeki]

I’ve never heard that before are you sure it’s a Pekin or possibly the other one is a jumbo? Is the crested eating good and doing normal duckling things?

Pretty much runs the place. The other could be a jumbo. If you’ve ever bought from TSC, it’s always a grab bag of surprises.

 

[Pyxis]

Thank you. I watch them a lot and the crested seems to be the leader of the two. They had a swim the other day to cool off from the heat and the big one cowered in the shallow end until the crested one waddled to the deeper water and started bathing. Then the big one did the same.
The crested is also the first one to go for the food when I fill it up.
I’ll try giving it a boost. It’s really a precious little thing.
I just had a feeling it had been looked over by other customers because of the crest. I felt like it needed rescuing. Lol

Do they have access to food free choice at all times? If not, make sure you leave it out for them all the time, so she can eat whenever she needs

 

[Cheeki]

Do they have access to food free choice at all times? If not, make sure you leave it out for them all the time, so she can eat whenever she needs

Yes, 24/7. All my birds do. I fill the food for the babies at least 4 times a day and keep the water as clean as you can with ducks.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

I like TSC is a grab bag of surprises. So true