Duck suddenly died...

[RedsFarm]

I went looking for my ducks this morning and found our Bonnie, she had her head tucked under her wing and looked like she was sleeping but was dead. She is like a year old and was very healthy. Has this happened to anyone else. We are devastated to say the least and her partner Lavern is too.

 

[Canadian Wind]

I'm sorry to hear about your duck. that must have been horrible to find her like that!

What breed was she?

I wish there was a happier reason for you to have joined us.

 

[RedsFarm]

I'm sorry to hear about your duck. that must have been horrible to find her like that!

What breed was she?

I wish there was a happier reason for you to have joined us.

She is a runner duck, and its crazy like she just tucked her head under her wing and went to sleep. That is how we found her this morning.

 

[Canadian Wind]

I honestly have no idea what could have happened, especially since she was sleeping. I know you said she was very healthy, but did she act in any way not 'normal'? Like, maybe not eating as much, or napping a bit more than usual?

This is probably not what your personal priority is right now, but you need to think about Lavern. She is going to need a companion, preferably two or more, the sooner the better. Not only so she can focus on something else, but because she needs a flock. I'm suggesting at least two more so if something dreadful like this happens again, then at least it doesn't leave one duck alone.

Check your local online ads, and facebook groups, a lot of times people are rehoming for free, especially at this time of the year.

 

[RedsFarm]

We have two other ducks that she runs with as well. Sallie Jane and Bessie Lue are very close to her too. I am just concerned that Lavern will feel like odd man out...I think I need to maybe get a couple ducklings so she can play mommy perhaps?

 

[Canadian Wind]

Oh, good! I'm glad to hear that. It should be fine then.

The only thing I can think of for poor Bonnie would be something similar to sleep apnea. In babies, it's referred to as SIDS, although it can happen to adults, too. I'd rule out a heart attack because of her position when you found her (I've witnessed a heart attack in my elderly dog, and she would not have remained in that position).

Have you thought about having an autopsy performed?

 

[RedsFarm]

Oh, good! I'm glad to hear that. It should be fine then.

The only thing I can think of for poor Bonnie would be something similar to sleep apnea. In babies, it's referred to as SIDS, although it can happen to adults, too. I'd rule out a heart attack because of her position when you found her (I've witnessed a heart attack in my elderly dog, and she would not have remained in that position).

Have you thought about having an autopsy performed?

I think she will be fine too,

No autopsy, I am going to let her lay in peace...

 

[Miss Lydia]

I lost a Runner female when she was around a year old. I found her the same way. I never saw her show any symptom of sickness I always thought it may have been a laying problem.
Very sorry for your loss

 

[ruthhope]

She is a runner duck, and its crazy like she just tucked her head under her wing and went to sleep. That is how we found her this morning.

That is so sad for you RedsFarm finding her, but a gentle way for Bonnie to go. head tucked under wing and peaceful as if asleep.

Its difficult to know why this should happen in a previously healthy duck but I would venture a guess it was a cardiac event. Electrical anomalies in human hearts can lead to sudden unexpected death in often fit people.

Be sustained by your happy memories of the good times with Bonnie

Cyber hugs