does this sound like a bug bite?

[keldadog]

I have a 6 day old duckling that has a swollen neck...low down on the neck, on one side. It's soft and squishy and I wasn wondering if it could be a bug bite? It's not as active as it has been for the last few days since they arrived, but still drinking. They're out in the run (covered) so it's possible that it got into it with a bug of some sort. None of the other 26 ducklings have any swelling. I also posted in the emergency section but haven't heard anything yet.

 

[chickygirl2]

Is it the crop on the right side?

 

[keldadog]

Ummmm...could be? This is my first batch of ducklings. I've always had adults and never an issue like this. I've mushed it around and it feelds like fluid only...no other mass. It's on starter crumbles, maybe found a few green items in the pen to eat, but also had access to grit (sand). The rest are fine...no swollen areas at all.

Any suggestions? I've searched crop problems and they all mention massage.

 

[chickygirl2]

Has it been eating ok? The crop should get bigger and then smaller depending on the eating schedule. You might try a little vegetable oil down the throat with a small syringe- with no needle. It will help pass whatever is there.

 

[shelleyd2008]

There was someone else that had a problem like yours a month or so ago. One person said it could be a lymph node. If you do a search you should be able to find the post. I believe they were told to drain it with a needle.