Duck tucking beak behind feathers constantly

[Diana81276]

I have a two year old male Kaki Campbell. He has had some stress over the past week, we hatched babies and had to relocate the males. However, he seemed fine until yesterday, when I noticed he seemed to be "sleeping" a lot. He will eat and drink and respond to me when I am close, but has spent most of the past two days with his beak tucked under a wing. I took him to the vet who thinks it's just stress, but I'm not convinced. This is a new behavior I've never really seen. Before yesterday he rarely "slept," and now it's constant. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Amiga]

Well, if it's stress - and it can be - you might have a chat with him. I doubt he'll understand every word, but my ducks seem aware that when I talk with them, that's a good thing.

Try letting him float in a tub of lukewarm water, and toss in a few treats. Tub time usually cheers up and relaxes my ducks.

Some vitamins with electrolytes won't hurt once a week for a month or so. Just a boost.

How is his poop? Sometimes ducks can get a systemic infection and they show few symptoms till it is advanced. Did the vet to a fecal test? Blood test?

Sometimes illness or injury happens around the same time as stress. Not to worry you, but to say that you have a good point and I congratulate you for wanting to be sure.

Could he be having reproductive system problems? I heard of a drake having some abdominal swelling due to hormonal issues. Just tossing out ideas, here. Giving you some questions for the vet, actually.