Daphne’s reproductive issues have returned

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

Last fall, Daphne had a very difficult time trying to transition at the end of her summer laying stretch. She laid an assortment of overly hard eggs followed by, and sometimes connected to, thin-shelled or shellless eggs. She had a decreased appetite (although she never gave up her beloved mealworms) and increased straining.

At the time, I took her to the local exotics vet, and she was diagnosed with reproductive issues that were not related to an infection (at least not a current one). She received sub-Q fluids and somehow made it through to winter, at which she stopped laying and we all breathed a sigh of relief.

She restarted late this spring, and laid perfect eggs daily for a bit before taking a break.

Over the past week, she restarted laying, but her eggs have been off (some thin shelled, some overly thick). Today (just now), I noticed an increase in straining. She’s still eating and drinking normally and passing normal duck poop.

I dug out the calcium gluconate, but can someone remind me of the oral dose? The type I have is 23% solution. I’ve let her soak in warm water and am calling the vet tomorrow.

I just wish she would stop laying altogether, as I think this is going to eventually kill her. We don’t need her eggs. We just want her to be ok!

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Oh no you poor girls!
I have no clue what the dosage per lbs is for ducks. I just added ½ teaspoon to the meal-worms for my ducklings every day. Maybe @casportpony knows the exact dosage? Anyways, i would start giving here "some" asap, Calcium Gluconate is difficult to overdose in short term applications.

 

[casportpony]

I just went through this with my friend's peahen. How much does your duck weigh?
The amount I gave, which is what a vet told me to give, was 0.2 ml per pound of body weight twice a day.

FWIW, in addition to the calcium gluconate, I give subcutaneous fluids, oral fluids, and meloxicam, and if the hen is stable, I will let them soak in a tub of warm water for at least 30 minutes.

 

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

I just went through this with my friend's peahen. How much does your duck weigh?
The amount I gave, which is what a vet told me to give was 0.2 ml per pound of bodyweight twice a day.

FWIW, in addition to the calcium gluconate I give subcutaneous fluids, oral fluids, and meloxicam, and if the hen is stable, I will let them soak in a tub of warm water for at least 30 minutes.

Thank you. She is a touch over 6 lbs, so I’ll shoot for 1.2 mls. She already had her warm water soak and is eating/drinking normally so far. Crossing my fingers that she passes an egg overnight. I wish she would just stop laying altogether, darn duck.

Thank you, and thank you to WannaBeHillbilly also. I’ll update when I can!

 

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

Oh no you poor girls!
I have no clue what the dosage per lbs is for ducks. I just added ½ teaspoon to the meal-worms for my ducklings every day. Maybe @casportpony knows the exact dosage? Anyways, i would start giving here "some" asap, Calcium Gluconate is difficult to overdose in short term applications.

Calcium Gluconate soaked mealworms was a fantastic idea. Thank you! That went very well, so much better than using an oral syringe! Daphne approves.

They are all tucked in for the evening. Hoping for an egg in the AM. Luckily, her giant green eggs are very easy to identify, so there won’t be confusion.

Thanks again

 

[MelissaRose]

Sorry I can't offer advice. I just want to say that I hope your duck gets better!

 

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

Sorry I can't offer advice. I just want to say that I hope your hen gets better!

Thank you!

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

I'm crossing my fingers and my duckies are sending their best wishes and plenty of hugs!

We all love Daphne!

 

[Miss Lydia]

How is Daphne this morning?

 

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

We had success! She passed this ugly thing overnight, and she’s extremely bright-eyed and bushy tailed this AM. No straining, and she’s eating and drinking normally.

The egg appears to have a normal, or close to normal, shell thickness, but has bumps and this attached ... membrane(?) at one end.

I think I’ll give her another dose of calcium gluconate before work.

So far, so good. Thank you all very much!