Duck on its back!?!?

[DrHawkeye07]

Keep an eye on her. Sometimes if the bedding is deep, they could get stuck on their back. Especially if you have a brooder heat plate, like the ones from Brinsea or Premier, where they could get on top of it and take a spill off of it.

If you keep seeing this one on its back and struggling, then I would get worried that it might be another cause. Then it might indicate there's something going on neurologically. This is not meant to scare you, but I had one duckling at 5 weeks get stuck on her back and struggle to right herself. After the first occasion, I too thought it was just an accident. It kept happening though, and the vet said it was seizures.

 

[Jbum]

Keep an eye on her. Sometimes if the bedding is deep, they could get stuck on their back. Especially if you have a brooder heat plate, like the ones from Brinsea or Premier, where they could get on top of it and take a spill off of it.

If you keep seeing this one on its back and struggling, then I would get worried that it might be another cause. Then it might indicate there's something going on neurologically. This is not meant to scare you, but I had one duckling at 5 weeks get stuck on her back and struggle to right herself. After the first occasion, I too thought it was just an accident. It kept happening though, and the vet said it was seizures.

Ok thank you!

 

[Ducks106]

I had a 1 year old duck do this a couple months ago. She would actually walk a step and fall completely on her back and couldn’t get up. I brought her in the house and the good people on here told me what to do. I gave her calcium and b12. It took about three weeks before she even started to get better. I kept her in a small tub so she couldn’t walk. Very slowly she started to stand but was very wobbly. We didn’t think she would make it but we kept going. I just finally put her out with the other ducks about 2 weeks ago. She’s doing great! She’s a little slower than the rest but we see her getting stronger every day. We never figured out what was wrong with her but I’m so glad we didn’t give up on her when everyone told me to put her down. She’s always been one of my favorites, she will eat out of our hand and likes to be petted unlike the other 4. Hope this gives you some hope if it gets worse.

 

[carinadiane]

Went out to check on the lil ones and one of my ducks was on its back and seemed to be struggling to get back over. They are about a month old and fairly big at this point. I simply reached in and helped turn her over and she chirped a bit but seem to be fine after that. Is this common? Something I have to look out for? Can they flip back on their own?

Thanks Jbum

It’s always a good thing to keep an eye one but usually it’s just a cute accident.
Good luck with the ducks!

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Agree with the accident. At this age they still get the zoomies and can get knocked over. Think of you didn't have arms how hard it would be to get up. I have had to right little ones from zoomie accidents before. If it keeps happening to the same duck, concern is warrented. But an occasional upside down juvenile is not a worry unless they get left like that for hours.

 

[Jbum]

Since there has been no other issues and she seems to be fine. Walks, stretches and bullies the chicks like normal so far. I’ll definitely keep an eye out and keep y’all posted!

Thanks again for all the insight
Jbum