Duck issue

[Pookiebutt]

I have a duck unsure of her age (adult) right now she is nesting. I have noticed she has had diarrhea the past few days. Because she is on the nest almost all the time I haven't really noticed if it's all the time or if it is just once in a while. There is also a male duck in the pen with her who doesn't seem to have any issues. I received the ducks about 2 months ago and didn't want to change the food they were on so they just eat a layer feed mainly for chickens but can be given to ducks as well. I read to maybe give her yogurt but what kind and how much?

 

[Amiga]

If you have a broody, she's going to make some amazingly different poops.

Our broodies produce two or three eye-burners a day - big, sometimes very wet, and always quite aromatic.

That is normal.

 

[Pookiebutt]

Ok well thank you so much! I wont worry now. Do you remove the males from your broody nesters?

 

[pepperpellets]

Phew, that answer helps me, too! I have a few Muscovy hens with some awful explosive pungent poo. When should I be concerned? How could I differentiate between broody hen poo and true diarrhea?

 

[Amiga]

Ok well thank you so much! I wont worry now. Do you remove the males from your broody nesters?

I apologize for dropping this ball, @Pookiebutt

The females who go broody don't have a drake in the flock. From what I read from others, it depends on the drake. Some are jerks, some are good guardians.

Phew, that answer helps me, too! I have a few Muscovy hens with some awful explosive pungent poo. When should I be concerned? How could I differentiate between broody hen poo and true diarrhea?

The big thing is - is she sitting on a nest most of the time?

They can get digestive problems - a different issue. For that, they might need antibiotics, probiotics, electrolytes, a different diet . . .

 

[pepperpellets]

Yes, this duck is broody, but the loose poo started when I first got her, about two full weeks prior to her sitting on eggs. I have changed the diet. Haven't tried probiotics. Didn't know about cabbage until reading this thread. Have no experience with fermented feed nor vinegar in the water. Who looks at duck poo for a parasite check? University? Not likely our local vet? Sorry so many questions.

 

[Amiga]

I take fecal samples to the local vet and they have them tested for parasites.

 

[pepperpellets]

Thanks!