- Thread starter
- #11
foxytinlizzy
In the Brooder
- May 13, 2019
- 8
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Hi guys thanks for all the replies...I will try to answer all your questions -
1) I have not supplied additional Niacin, only because I thought that was only necessary if you were feeding them chicken feed. Since his feed is actually formulated for ducks, I assumed it was not necessary.
2) Sorry, I already washed the vomit towel because I have been pretty "OCD" with keeping everything clean since the duck hatched - water and bedding is changed at least 2x daily, food is in tupperware, etc.
3) I cannot rule out the possibility of something toxic - I know how curious they are and try to keep a watchful eye, but they are also like toddlers...just one second while you answer the phone, stir the dinner pot etc. is all it takes for them to get ahold of something bad!
4) Yes, I have tried all of the favorite treats...corn, peas, cheerios, and I bought a bag of duck treats that is full of mealworms, cracked corn etc. I even threw some mealworms in the tub with him...not having it! Duck still refuses all of it.
5) I agree that Ensure is probably not the best choice either, but I found that it was fed as part of a convalescent diet for ducks..and since he was wasting away, I figured I'll try it - And the way I have been feeding him...iif you can even call it that since most gets shaken all over the place - I gently open his bill and use an eyedropper to drop 4-5 drops on his tongue at a time. Thanks for the tip about avoiding the back of his tongue!
6) I am not sure of the breed - My friend had 6-7 different kinds and the only ones she knew for sure was Blue Swedish, Blsck Swedish, Muscovies, and the ones with the crests on their heads. Alfie was an all black with black beak and feet as a duckling, and still does not have all feathers yet, but has brown, grey/black feathers.
As of @ 30 minutes ago, I figured I am going to try one of the flushes I read about here...I am using the Molasses flush for the next 8 hours...maybe it will help?
Alfie has started the head shaking behavior again, although if I cup my hand over his head and babytalk him he calms down and stops it. He has not vomited any more today other than this morning, but has drank ample amounts of water and probably 2 eyedroppers full...translation maybe 1/2 eyedropper full that actually made it into his system...of Ensure, and his poops are now dark instead of green.white (?) He has had enough energy now from that tiny bit of nutrients that he will try to follow me if I leave the room etc.
So he has probably had 8/10 drinks of the molasses water and I have it sitting right next to him when he wants more (for the next 8 hours).
Thanks to everyone who has answered me...I look forward to any more suggestions, stories, etc. and will keep you guys updated - Kristin
p.s. sorry for the pic - Alfie was sleeping and I haven;t seen him able to tuck his head back like this for awhile so I left him alone but you can see the colors (and his molasses water lol)
1) I have not supplied additional Niacin, only because I thought that was only necessary if you were feeding them chicken feed. Since his feed is actually formulated for ducks, I assumed it was not necessary.
2) Sorry, I already washed the vomit towel because I have been pretty "OCD" with keeping everything clean since the duck hatched - water and bedding is changed at least 2x daily, food is in tupperware, etc.
3) I cannot rule out the possibility of something toxic - I know how curious they are and try to keep a watchful eye, but they are also like toddlers...just one second while you answer the phone, stir the dinner pot etc. is all it takes for them to get ahold of something bad!
4) Yes, I have tried all of the favorite treats...corn, peas, cheerios, and I bought a bag of duck treats that is full of mealworms, cracked corn etc. I even threw some mealworms in the tub with him...not having it! Duck still refuses all of it.
5) I agree that Ensure is probably not the best choice either, but I found that it was fed as part of a convalescent diet for ducks..and since he was wasting away, I figured I'll try it - And the way I have been feeding him...iif you can even call it that since most gets shaken all over the place - I gently open his bill and use an eyedropper to drop 4-5 drops on his tongue at a time. Thanks for the tip about avoiding the back of his tongue!
6) I am not sure of the breed - My friend had 6-7 different kinds and the only ones she knew for sure was Blue Swedish, Blsck Swedish, Muscovies, and the ones with the crests on their heads. Alfie was an all black with black beak and feet as a duckling, and still does not have all feathers yet, but has brown, grey/black feathers.
As of @ 30 minutes ago, I figured I am going to try one of the flushes I read about here...I am using the Molasses flush for the next 8 hours...maybe it will help?
Alfie has started the head shaking behavior again, although if I cup my hand over his head and babytalk him he calms down and stops it. He has not vomited any more today other than this morning, but has drank ample amounts of water and probably 2 eyedroppers full...translation maybe 1/2 eyedropper full that actually made it into his system...of Ensure, and his poops are now dark instead of green.white (?) He has had enough energy now from that tiny bit of nutrients that he will try to follow me if I leave the room etc.
So he has probably had 8/10 drinks of the molasses water and I have it sitting right next to him when he wants more (for the next 8 hours).
Thanks to everyone who has answered me...I look forward to any more suggestions, stories, etc. and will keep you guys updated - Kristin
p.s. sorry for the pic - Alfie was sleeping and I haven;t seen him able to tuck his head back like this for awhile so I left him alone but you can see the colors (and his molasses water lol)
