Duck not eating, stunting growth!

[JoeyKidd]

Hey, it's been awhile since I posted here. I'm back in the duck business, after the last learning process. I have 3 pekins that I bought as very young ducklings and now one is not eating nor keeping up with the rest. Now it could be one of two things, I have surmised. I live in a place with smokers, but since also having chickens, I've made rules and cleaned yard as I could, but they get in the yard anyway. However I witnessed one day an older duckling down a cigarette butt (was on balcony and happened so fast, so I could not stop it or come down in time enough to mark which one). I was livid and laid down the fire. I was hoping nothing would happen, but I'm noticing one of them with a paler bill, stunted growth, and diminished appetite.
Granted though, second possibility, one of them did have some congestion/breathing issues. This breathing issue was brought about after inexperience with letting them in the water so soon. They went into shock from the cool(didn't realize even cool water isn't good until ducks can develop oil) water. Rescued them in time, but one gained the lung issue. The other ducks were and are all just fine. I gave the cougher vetrx, it didn't help. Was told it would go away on it's own, and it did, but only after I made them outside ducks. However, this dissipation came slowly and all the while it was eating and seemingly still healthy. It never could make much of a vocal sound, all the while with infliction, now it makes nearly no sound. If it was the cigarette butt, what is it doing and how can I correct it? If it was another issue, related to something in the lungs, how can I correct that, if at all?

 

[bargain]

What age are your ducklings? Do they have access to a heat lamp on cooler nights, especially if not fully feathered. We have ducks and you might be able to detox your duckling if you think it is poisoned. Are your ducklings old enough that what you are hearing might be male vs female. The male has a raspy sound, not a loud quack.

For the Lung issue, when you hold the duck up to your ear is there a different sound in lungs than the other two duckling? I have never had duck lung issues. I do know that having water for them to dip their beaks in up to the nares is critical to their respiratory healthy. Hope this helps and good luck!

 

[JoeyKidd]

Quote:
6-7 weeks, give or take, since I got them already hatched. ...



Quote: No, they have seemed to not need it for a while. I guess around the 3rd -4th week I let them out and left them under a cage. More and more I let them roam, and they naturally made it to the water and by that point they had produced feather and oil enough to enjoy it, regardless of the temp. So I made the next step and left them in the coop(chickens and ducks get along so beautifully) for a night. Was cold, but checked on them throughout the night, fine as could be. I've been leaving them outside the house ever since, no light or heat source. Granted I live in Myrtle Beach, and though spring is reluctant to come, it hasn't gotten intolerable.



Quote: Poisoned or blocked? But yes, how to detox, will try anything...




Quote: I thought it may have been that, but I was more concerned it may have been an effect of whatever lung issue. So, indeed, it may be a male.



Quote: No, not now, breathes just like the rest. Sounds the same, but the voice is very low and raspy. I guess it's a male...



Quote: Maybe that's why it's problem dissipated... I have a sizable pond, when I left them to roam and play in it, that duckling got better with the coughing and such, now gone...

 

[JoeyKidd]

It's been about a week, since the cigarette eating...

 

[Amiga]

Something that absorbs toxins is activated charcoal. Not the briquettes, activated charcoal is a dietary supplement. You can get it at many drugstores or health food stores. Put a tablespoon in a half gallon of water. It won't hurt them.

 

[bargain]

I would try the charcoal water, agreed and let them drink it on their own. You would risk the possibility of inhaliation into lungs if you have to feed yourself. Be sure to give the young ones adequate protein and wishing and praying for great success!

 

[JoeyKidd]

It's passed, the little one is all back to eating as normal... Now, will he ever catch up in size?

 

[Amiga]

My Elfie was a few weeks behind everyone else until they were about 8 months old.