Duck has PTSD?

[JenPhil]

I have a female welsh harlequin ducks that is going to be 2 years old in September. She stopped laying around 6 months ago when her partner (her sister) and 5 of our chickens were killed by a coyote. From what we can figure she had seen the whole thing and was able to hide by our basement door which saved her life, she only escaped with a small cut on her foot. She stopped laying around that time and has now gained so much weight that her belly drags on the ground which has caused her feathers to be worn off. I know it is weird to say but it is almost like she has post-traumatic stress. We have since bought her a new peking duck friend and 5 more chickens to join her. I am worried and not sure what to do to help her…any advice? She needs to go on a diet but I am not sure how to go about this...Help!!

 

[furbabymum]

I've no advice on how to fix this but animals can get PTSD so I don't doubt that is what this is. Good luck!

 

[Amiga]

From what I know about ducks and about human PTSD, here are some ideas . .

There are external triggers associated with flashbacks. It can be sights, sounds, or smells that touch the traumatic memory.

Are there things you can change? Perhaps make a minor change to the way the shelter looks, or plant something different around the area, or paint it, or something like that.

Recovery takes time. Getting other ducks sounds like a good start.

Supplements can help people, perhaps they can help animals. Lemon balm is a soothing plant, a small shrub. With ducks around I do not have to worry about it spreading much. Mine like to nibble the leaves a little, and really like to eat the new shoots coming up from the ground in the spring. Perhaps you could plant some just outside a fence so the ducks can nibble on the ends. Bee balm is another pleasant soothing herb my ducks enjoy.

Does she get exercise, like swimming in a kiddie pool?

She may feel vulnerable. Can you secure an area for her for when you are not around?

Those are my thoughts.

 

[Miss Lydia]

From what I know about ducks and about human PTSD, here are some ideas . .

There are external triggers associated with flashbacks. It can be sights, sounds, or smells that touch the traumatic memory.

Are there things you can change? Perhaps make a minor change to the way the shelter looks, or plant something different around the area, or paint it, or something like that.

Recovery takes time. Getting other ducks sounds like a good start.

Supplements can help people, perhaps they can help animals. Lemon balm is a soothing plant, a small shrub. With ducks around I do not have to worry about it spreading much. Mine like to nibble the leaves a little, and really like to eat the new shoots coming up from the ground in the spring. Perhaps you could plant some just outside a fence so the ducks can nibble on the ends. Bee balm is another pleasant soothing herb my ducks enjoy.

Does she get exercise, like swimming in a kiddie pool?

She may feel vulnerable. Can you secure an area for her for when you are not around?

Those are my thoughts.

Good ones too.

 

[veronicasmom]

Try some Rescue Remedy in her water. Good for anxiety and grief. Or you can just drop two or three drops in her mouth a few times a day.
And I am sorry for the loss of your birds.

 

[Amiga]

Try some Rescue Remedy in her water. Good for anxiety and grief. Or you can just drop two or three drops in her mouth a few times a day.
And I am sorry for the loss of your birds.

Another supplement that a number of people I know have used with their pets.

 

[veronicasmom]

I use it on pretty much everyone (animals) and myself. I have a nighttime spray too.

 

[Amiga]

I use it on pretty much everyone (animals) and myself. I have a nighttime spray too.

Same here.