Duck neck problem

[dnowa1975]

Hi

I have a 3yr+ female rouen duck. Yesterday she was in obvious distress. She was laying flat out on her stomach with her neck stretched out on the ground. Occasionally she would get up to walk and her neck would almost hang down to the ground, like she could not hold her head up. I placed her in the coop last night and today she was laying stretched out again in her run. Her breathing does appear labored. Her mate doesn't stray and is being very protective.
There have not been any animal issues as far as predators or something getting to her.

She has always had a bit of a difficulty walking. It seems one of her legs is slightly turned in and she does fall occasionally. Could she have fallen and strained her neck?

Anyone seen anything like this?

thanks!

 

[Amiga]

Any chance it could be toxicity or botulism?

If so, you may want to consider a flush. There are instructions in the Stickies.

 

[Miss Lydia]

If they free range then maybe she did get into something toxic, a good look around the yard might show up something. stagnant water? here's the link about flushes. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/700526/flushes-for-aiding-in-toxin-removal#post_9508213

and since she is a heavy weight duck can she get in and out of the pool without a problem? once my Muscovy drake decided to jump down instead of using the ramp and hurt his leg.

 

[dnowa1975]

They "free range" in a fenced in area with the chickens. It is pretty contained with nothing new ever being introduced.
There is a ramp into her pool...but she rarely swims......She normally just hangs out and watches her male swim.

Thanks for the link to the flushes

 

[Miss Lydia]

Has she been laying eggs pretty regular? when was the last time, just wondering if this could be egg related. does she look okay around the vent?

 

[dnowa1975]

She has never laid an egg.........we got them as ducklings (2 males 2 females) and the females never laid any eggs......

 

[Miss Lydia]

She has never laid an egg.........we got them as ducklings (2 males 2 females) and the females never laid any eggs......

Wow that's amazing. is this normal for Rouen's because of body shape? not too familiar with the breed.

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

My Rouens (both ducks) started laying regularly at about 24weeks, and they even laid over the winter. Just not very much. You might be dealing with egg yolk peritonitis if she's never laid an egg.

 

[dnowa1975]

she has never laid any eggs. The other female that we had never did either.
We were told that where we got them from may have bred amongst themselves too often and in turn they may have turned out sterile.....

 

[Miss Lydia]

she has never laid any eggs. The other female that we had never did either.
We were told that where we got them from may have bred amongst themselves too often and in turn they may have turned out sterile.....

How does she act today? is she eating and drinking? do you have Apple Cider Vinegar. you can add some to their drinking water. 1-2 tabs to 1 gallon of water it's very good for them and us too.