Dixie Chicks

[Ravynscroft]

Sorry Apiaryandaviary

Anyone got experience with ducks laying soft shelled eggs? Or perhaps internal laying? I could use some advice.

What's going on, Sam? Just an occasional soft shell or are you getting them regularly? Internal laying or possible eggbound?
I dunno if you have access to calcium gluconate there? That's what I give to a couple of mine that have issues once in a while...

 

[hennible]

What's going on, Sam? Just an occasional soft shell or are you getting them regularly? Internal laying or possible eggbound?
I dunno if you have access to calcium gluconate there? That's what I give to a couple of mine that have issues once in a while...

I'm going to say she's a chronic soft shelled layer. I have her isolated on and off. Gave her feed mixed with oyster shell (prior I had none out) and Tumbs crushed and desolved in her water. A few days later I got a fairly normal egg. But she's just not thriving. Slower than the others when I walk them back to the coop, easy to pick up unlike every other duck. The soft shells I have recovered were srheads of membrane caked in a powder that should have been shell. She's also a favourite of one drake, I don't know if that's playing into this. Any way no eggs sense the that decent one. Wondering if she's laying internally or has some remnants of those soft egg lodged inside. She is thin, and breathing heavy when active... just my thoughts and observations and what I've done for her so far

 

[hennible]

She is currently isolated

 

[Ravynscroft]

I'm going to say she's a chronic soft shelled layer. I have her isolated on and off. Gave her feed mixed with oyster shell (prior I had none out) and Tumbs crushed and desolved in her water. A few days later I got a fairly normal egg. But she's just not thriving. Slower than the others when I walk them back to the coop, easy to pick up unlike every other duck. The soft shells I have recovered were srheads of membrane caked in a powder that should have been shell. She's also a favourite of one drake, I don't know if that's playing into this. Any way no eggs sense the that decent one. Wondering if she's laying internally or has some remnants of those soft egg lodged inside. She is thin, and breathing heavy when active... just my thoughts and observations and what I've done for her so far

I would see if you can find some calcium gluconate 23%, I think it is?

And will tag Kathy on this too, @casportpony see what she can add...

Weather been warming up? Also wondering about worms, maybe?

Is her belly distended, bloated at all?

 

[Ravynscroft]

She is currently isolated

Good... would definitely keep her isolated, doesn't need 'attentions' causing her more stress...

 

[hennible]

Belly and whole body feel good, no bloat, hot spots, or reaction to palpitations.

I will see if I can locate the calcium you suggested or something of a higher quality than Tumbs. Where do you find it? Vet, pharmacy?

I appreciate this Ravyn

 

[casportpony]

I would see if you can find some calcium gluconate 23%, I think it is?

And will tag Kathy on this too, @casportpony see what she can add...

Weather been warming up? Also wondering about worms, maybe?

Is her belly distended, bloated at all?

I've seen this in a few of my peahens this season, and not sure what to make of it, so I usually give the calcium gluconate, and sometimes I'll also give wormer, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory. With mine I worry that there could be an underlying repro-tract infection brewing.

 

[hennible]

Oh adding to the body condition... thin and a bald patch on head and back between wings. I assume both are from over mating

 

[hennible]

Oh yes it's been hot, +25C

 

[hennible]

Yes also worried about the potential of infection so she is on a super booster antibiotic as of today