Drake has stopped bathing?

[segdegusto]

Wondering if anyone can give me some advice. My 10 month old drake has recently stopped washing himself and no longer enjoys playing in the pond with the ducks. His beak seems to be flakey, his eyes look a little infected but this is not getting worse, his feathers are dull and he seems to be losing a bit of weight. Through all this he seems to be content, is eating and continues to socalise with the other ducks and humans. Any ideas anyone please?

 

[GitaBooks]

Is he being bullied by any of the other drakes? Could he have parasites of some kind? Is he getting enough niacin or other vitamins and minerals?

I hope he perks back up soon. Best of luck!

 

[Amiga]

I would get him by himself in a clean area for a few days, with plenty of fresh water and food, and take a close look at him. Get him into a tub of lukewarm water and observe everything you can.

I would not let an eye infection go. Get some opthalmic drops, some Vetericyn eye gel, saline solution - eye infections can get awful.

As I suggested to someone else recently, get some poultry vitamins and put them in the drinking water once a week for a few weeks.

A good duck vet is best, but that's not always possible.

 

[tdd2]

+1!