Duck acting off, possible obstruction

[MGG]

I put down mulch in my duck pen about a week and a half ago, it's been working great so far with mud management. However, some of my ducks are obsessed with putting it in the pond, particularly my hooded mergansers who mess with everything. This evening I noticed my drake acting off. He felt light when I grabbed him, and is somewhat hunched and tail bobbing when he's breathing. My first thought was he possibly ate a chunk of the mulch and it's stuck. I couldn't feel anything inside of him, and his crop is empty. So if that's the case, it would be further down. He is walking around some, and did eat some floating/soaked mazuri starter and BSF. He drank the electrolyte water I offered. I have not seen him poop.
I'm thinking blockage is the most likely. I gave him just over half a ml of olive oil, that was all I could think of and once they start acting off like this stuff happens fast. I just wanted to get something in him. I thought about molasses and epsom salt water though as possible options. Also tums, I know those work great for egg bound hens with contractions and stuff but would that do anything here? With hens I'm guessing that's mainly reproductive tract stuff. A vet isn't really an option. I wouldn't be opposed to it, but it's almost impossible to get one of these birds the half hour to the vet. They stress out so fast and just die, especially when they are already compromised. I'd be so grateful for any and all thoughts. Thank you!

 

[MGG]

@Eggcessive @casportpony @Wyorp Rock @coach723
I'd love any ideas you have on this. Thank you

 

[MGG]

@Debbie292d any thoughts?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm thinking blockage is the most likely. I gave him just over half a ml of olive oil, that was all I could think of and once they start acting off like this stuff happens fast. I just wanted to get something in him. I thought about molasses and epsom salt water though as possible options. Also tums, I know those work great for egg bound hens with contractions and stuff but would that do anything here? With hens I'm guessing that's mainly reproductive tract stuff.

Oh my! He's Beautiful! I'm sorry he's not doing well.

Unfortunately, I know very little about Ducks.

Tagging @shawluvsbirds @casportpony @Jenbirdee @WVduckchick @Miss Lydia

Possible that he may have a blockage. I'd take care in giving liquid oil, will he eat bits of coconut oil instead?

I don't think extra calcium would cause contractions for him. Yes, it is given to laying hens (and Lady Ducks), but it does mainly target the reproductive system. Likely the Calcium wouldn't affect the digestive system.

If you are wanting to give a flush, choose only 1. Either the Epsom Salts or the Molasses, not both together. Both are reported to help with flushing toxins, treat blockages, sour crop, etc. Both will cause very loose stools, so you want to make sure to hydrate well after giving a flush.
I don't know if a flush would work or not. Hopefully others will chime in with suggestions/thoughts.

Keep us posted on how he's doing.

 

[MGG]

Oh my! He's Beautiful! I'm sorry he's not doing well.

Unfortunately, I know very little about Ducks.

Tagging @shawluvsbirds @casportpony @Jenbirdee @WVduckchick @Miss Lydia

Possible that he may have a blockage. I'd take care in giving liquid oil, will he eat bits of coconut oil instead?

I don't think extra calcium would cause contractions for him. Yes, it is given to laying hens (and Lady Ducks), but it does mainly target the reproductive system. Likely the Calcium wouldn't affect the digestive system.

If you are wanting to give a flush, choose only 1. Either the Epsom Salts or the Molasses, not both together. Both are reported to help with flushing toxins, treat blockages, sour crop, etc. Both will cause very loose stools, so you want to make sure to hydrate well after giving a flush.
I don't know if a flush would work or not. Hopefully others will chime in with suggestions/thoughts.

Keep us posted on how he's doing.

Thanks so much for the reply!

Thanks for the tags. I gave it in a 1ml syringe and stuck it way down his throat, so I think it should be fine. I'm not sure if I should go give him more, or maybe give him some Meloxicam or something to help relax him maybe to rest.

That's what I kind of thought. Thanks for the confirmation.

Any idea which one would be better to try? I thought about sticking my tube feeding tube as far down as I can to see if I hit anything. Idk about that though. Could be traumatic and I don't know if it would help. Thanks again for your thoughts, I appreciate it. I know you don't do ducks, I just thought any ideas would be great. These birds are so hard because you really have to think outside the box with them. Very much trial and error, haha. Will do!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thanks so much for the reply!

Thanks for the tags. I gave it in a 1ml syringe and stuck it way down his throat, so I think it should be fine. I'm not sure if I should go give him more, or maybe give him some Meloxicam or something to help relax him maybe to rest.

That's what I kind of thought. Thanks for the confirmation.

Any idea which one would be better to try? I thought about sticking my tube feeding tube as far down as I can to see if I hit anything. Idk about that though. Could be traumatic and I don't know if it would help. Thanks again for your thoughts, I appreciate it. I know you don't do ducks, I just thought any ideas would be great. These birds are so hard because you really have to think outside the box with them. Very much trial and error, haha. Will do!

I'm not sure which flush would be best. Both are used to treat crop issues/blockages. It may come down to the supplies/products you have on hand.

 

[MGG]

I'm not sure which flush would be best. Both are used to treat crop issues/blockages. It may come down to the supplies/products you have on hand.

I did a molasses flush, I tubed 15 ml into him. I don't remember how much they're supposed to get or what he weighs exactly, just thought I better try something else tonight. I thought molasses might be a better option than the Epsom salt because of the sugars and stuff in it. Might perk him up a bit. I'll probably peek on him once overnight and see how he's doing. Should I try more molasses in the morning, oil, or something else? If he's still alive anyway. There were two droppings out there. Not sure what to make of these. The dark color seems abnormal, usually their poops are lighter. There is some solid matter there though. Good sign maybe?

 

[Eggcessive]

I am not a duck owner or expert, so hopefully one of the duck people that Wyorp Rock tagged will chime in. The is a duck forum under the Forums heading above. Posting there would get more attention.

 

[shawluvsbirds]

I'm just as lost as the next person where illness comes in. I think for taking a shot in the dark mollasses was a good choice. I hope it works!

 

[Jenbirdee]

Did you Give him electrolytes water after the flush? That’s important. I use Recover 911

You can also give digestive enzymes , Helps to break things down to digest them.

There’s this but I haven’t tried it yet

AlSo what I used to break up a blockage was human digestive enzymes capsule that had similar ingredients to what poultry digestive enzymes are