Duck suddenly can’t walk

[FathertoFeathers]

As I was working outside today I noticed my hen just floating in her pool. Which isn’t normal for her. I went over to check her out and she was sinking in the water. Not floating on top but almost completely submerged. Just the top of her back and neck were above water. So I grabbed her and set her in the ground and she can’t stand. She’s just laying on the ground teetering back and forth. Anytime she tries to stand she just flops forward. She seems to be molting as there’s feathers all over but no blood or any wounds I can see. She is older too. At least 4. What’s going on with her?

 

[FathertoFeathers]

I tried giving her some eggs but she won’t eat either. This was all so sudden. She seemed fine this morning and now suddenly she seems to be doing awful

 

[RosemaryDuck]

What breed of duck is she? I'll tag some users for you.

@Isaac 0
@azygous

 

[azygous]

When paralysis comes on all of a sudden, it can be a reaction from toxic exposure or weather related shock from too hot or too cold overwhelming the bird.

It will help your duck to give her warmed Gatoraid or warmed sugar water with a pinch of salt and backing soda. This will snap her out of it if this is hypothermia or dehydration from a sudden hot spell.

If she doesn't immediately improve after treating for shock, then things point to toxic exposure and giving her activated charcoal would be the next thing to try in case she's eaten something toxic.

Toxic reactions can occur from ingesting mold or anaerobic bacteria as can be found in decaying vegetation or compost piles. Also, try to think if any insecticides have been reconstituted by recent rain or irrigation. There is also the possibility she has consumed toxic algae from her pond if there's been an unseasonable hot weather event.