Duck has flees!!

[rhodeislandred1]

So my baby is about a month old and recently I noticed that she has been constantly itching herself and cleaning herself. Today, I saw flies flying around her!! She lives in a 2x4 cage on the cement with her feed and water. She poops a lot so there are always mosquitos flying around the area. In a few days, we will move her cage on the grass.
But anyway, flees!! We will be gone for vacation next week so we're giving her to our friends, and i dont want them to see the flees. How can I get rid of them ASAP in 2 days??? Thanks!

 

[Speceider]

Ducks do not get fleas,..they are a mammal parasite. Sounds like your ducks needs a larger, cleaner, living area.

Clint

 

[rhodeislandred1]

Why were there flies flying around her?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Why were there flies flying around her?

Because she is an attractive target - she is in a small, enclosed area with attractive waste.

 

[Amiga]

I think a change of living space is in order. Things can get out of hand seemingly quickly, so get her into a cleaner environment and then develop a longer term plan that will keep her healthy.

I had to develop a plan for fly management the first year. Traps and fly predators did the trick, as well as managing the material around the swim pans (raking it out and composting it regularly).

 

[Learningstill]

It was probably lice that you were seeing. Not sure if you can use sevin dust on a duckling, but you could probably ask around.

Off topic a bit, is your duckling's vent area clean? Flies can lay eggs on your duckling and the maggots can kill it. Not sure what your water area is like, but if the duckling does not have a tub to properly clean itself the flies will take notice.

Also, there are homemade fly traps you can hang nearby to kill off some of the fly population. One recipe I am going to try, is an empty rinsed milk jug, 1 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 banna peel, and half-full of water. Mix it all and hang the jug on a branch.

Another thing, if you did not see fleas and are assuming because of the itching, it is normal for them to itch and preen a ton while they are getting feathers. Maybe that is all you witnessed?

Best wishes!

 

[rhodeislandred1]

Her feathers are still growing and she has a tub she swims in an hour or so everyday in the sun. I cleaned up her place and now there are less flies around. There is no avian vet near me that I know of so taking her to one isn't an option for me. I appreciate all advice given thanks.