duck heart attack :(

[tomboy1013]

I think I gave my duck a heart attack...for the full story read below but basically want to know if this is common and/or if he was maybe born with a defect.

Pekins are about 5 weeks old. I am keeping them in the garage since I don't have a coop built. Anyways, came home late the other night anxious to give them fresh water since I'd been out all day. Their brooder light was off since it'd been warm for a couple days so the garage was pitch black.

I came in with my flash light and immediately turned on their brooder light. My largest duck (Andy) started freaking out and running around the coop. Kept that up for about 10-15 seconds then fell onto his back with feet still moving. Then his feet stopped moving and he just laid there. Shortly there after white stuff came out of his vent. Then poop came out of his vent. He righted himself and I brought the fresh water right up next to him. He just laid there with his head lolling around not interested in the water. Then he opened his beak and stuck his tongue out in a crazy manner. Did that two times then freaked out again and ran around the coop before passing out on his back in the corner. Checked for breathing and heartbeat to no avail.

So sad.

 

[DucksOhio]

I am so sorry for your loss. I’m sure you feel terrible, but I really don’t think it’s your fault.

I had a young duck die last year for no explainable reason and it’s heartbreaking.

It sounds like you worked very hard to care for the duckies. Please do not bee too hard on yourself.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Oh that is sad.

 

[faylinnc]

I'm so sorry. I know how painful it can be to loose a beloved ducky.

May he rest in piece. I'm not really sure why he died, I agree that was very bizarre. It looks like you cared very well for them. Once again, I'm so sorry and I don't think it was your fault at all, because those things happen by nature. rest in piece Andy. so heartbreaking

 

[Ducksandchickens]

sorry for your loss I don’t know if ducks can have heart attacks though. It could of been something strange.

 

[thumper650]

He may have had some other issue, so sorry for your loss. Whenever I approach my duckies when they can't see me, like in their hutch at night, I always talk to them, and they talk back before I get too close. You might want to try that with yours. I really want to get ducklings, but I'm petrified I'll have to go through something like you're going through now. Good luck and again, sorry for your loss.

 

[faylinnc]

 

[2 many chickens]

So sad.. it seems his heart must have exploded.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

sorry for your loss I don’t know if ducks can have heart attacks though. It could of been something strange.

If it has a heart, it can have a heart attack. The heart is the same no matter what animal it is in human or otherwise.

 

[Ducksandchickens]

If it has a heart, it can have a heart attack. The heart is the same no matter what animal it is in human or otherwise.

Ok. Thanks for informing me I just haven’t heard of ducks having heart problems