Duck is lethargic and stays away fron the other ducks

[TerriL188]

My 8 year old duck is acting strange, she went out to the duck yard with the others this morning but shortly after that I noticed her walking slowly back into her hut. When I went to check on her she tried to run from me but didnt have the energy. I looked her over and did not find anything obvious, they are not laying eggs so she is not egg bound. Her weight felt good, the only thing I found is her tummy is squishy which may be how it is suppose to be I have not doctored any ducks. Can you give me some things I should look for. I have never wormed ducks mainly because I can't catch them. Any help would be appreciated. Terri

 

[Miss Lydia]

Squishy like fluid in her belly ? Or just a nice fat layer over winter? There is a symptoms called ascites where fluid accumulates in the belly can be caused but liver disease and I believe heart failure. Best to look it up and see if her symptoms match. Sorry I’d do it for you but I am on my phone and there are just some things I cannot do.

 

[chickens really]

Reproductive disorder is common in older hens.

 

[casportpony]

Very sorry to hear your duck is sick.

@Miss Lydia mentioned ascites, and that can be caused by the things she mentioned as well as cancer. Is a vet an option? What does her poop look like?

 

[TerriL188]

I am going to go check on her, I put her in a pen by herself, I looked at the video on removing fluid in a chicken with water belly. I think I can do that but I want to feel her belly again. Thanks Miss Lydia

 

[TerriL188]

Very sorry to hear your duck is sick.

@Miss Lydia mentioned ascites, and that can be caused by the things she mentioned as well as cancer. Is a vet an option? What does her poop look like?

Hi, No a vet is not an option, I haven't seen her poop yet I will watch for it and get back to you on that. Terri

 

[Miss Lydia]

I had an EE that I am positive had ascites she looked like she was carrying around a water balloon and walked like a penguin. She lived till she was 5 yrs old eventually we put her down because she was showing major problems. But up until then she just pretty much acted normal other than walking odd. She still got up on the roost too. Be sure this is what your dealing with before you do anything. Even some pics may help if you can get some good ones of the size of her belly.

 

[casportpony]

Hi, No a vet is not an option, I haven't seen her poop yet I will watch for it and get back to you on that. Terri

Can you also check the belly of another duck and compare them?

This link has some good info on ascites:
http://www.poultrydvm.com/condition/ascites-syndrome

 

[TerriL188]

I can't get a pic of her belly she won't stand. I wish I could catch one of the other 2 ducks and I could feel their belly. I will go try and catch one before I tap her belly. I checked her pop and it looks great. Terri

 

[Miss Lydia]

Are you in the medical field? You seem pretty confident .