duck hourly water needs

[cargenx75]

I have a duck, 1 year old, who is ill and I am having to force feed her water/pedialyte. My question is, how much should I be giving her every hour? I am giving her 4 tsp an hour right now, but she is still lethargic and not pooping. How much more should I give her?

 

[Mrs.H]

I am no help, but could you post a few more details of her illness. Then hopefully someone will chime in

 

[cargenx75]

She swallowed a wire. It is down past her gizzard and the treatment is a shot which is on order to combat the metal poisoning. From the research I have done, and what the vet says, surgery is really only recommended when the wire is still it her crop. She is quite lethargic and just sitting, not drinking any water or eating. I am trying to get her rehydrated.

 

[Amiga]

Can you put a favorite treat in the bottom of a cup of water and see if she will go for it?

Perhaps @casportpony is around and can check in.

How are you getting the water into her? Syringe?

This may help - I have not taken time to look it all over before sending it to you.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/805728/go-team-tube-feeding

If you look at the amount for mallard ducks in this page
http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00Man/VeterinaryTechniques/WfowlIndTech/BirdGavage-Tubing.htm

the maximum per tube feeding is 60 mL, or 12 teaspoons. Please double check to see if they mean per feeding or per day.

 

[cargenx75]

I am using straws I found that are very rubbery and flexible. They go right down to her crop perfectly. I tried to give watery baby food but the syringe doesn't fit tightly on the tube so it ended up making a huge mess. I will try again when another adult is here to help me.

 

[cargenx75]

Both of those links are awesome, thanks!!!

 

[Amiga]

Please keep us updated . . . I know this is a serious situation, but ducks can pull through in nearly miraculous ways.

Prayers for you both.

 

[cargenx75]

Well, Coke the duck is doing much better today. After many tube feedings of pedialyte, she finally pooped and I let her go back outside for the couple hours before dark. I gave her 2 more tube feedings with baby food and pedialyte. She fought the last tubing enough so I was comfortable leaving her for the night! This morning she is moving around (slowly) but so much more than yesterday! She is eating a little scratch and veggies I throw out and most importantly, drinking water!!!! The other birds are being protective and sitting by her wherever she has decided to rest. I will keep a close eye on her today!

 

[Amiga]

Great news! I know it will be touch and go. I would tell her how much I care - I don't think they understand words as much as tone and feeling. And I find talking to my ducks when they are hurt helps me, too.

Prayers for you continue.

 

[DucksAndGardens]

Just tip, you can use aquarium tubing as a feeding tube and the syringes will form a tighter seal.