Duck Worming

[Meliduck]

I am new at raising ducks, the only reason I am doing so now is for my daughter's Ag SAE Project. I have two ducklings, not sure how old they are. What do I use for worm the ducklings? Is diatomaceous earth ok to use? I also read that I could use a mixture of molasses & apple cider vinegar. Please help me.

 

[zooweemama]

You do not need to worm a baby duck. Most people do not even routinely worm their grown ducks. It's not usually a huge issue for ducks. I've always been told if you suspect a parasite overload - have their poop tested. Most vets (EVEN I f they do not see ducks) will test the poop for you for less than $30. Treat at that point if it is needed. Routine worming for the sake of worming is hard on their bodies, reduces their own ability to be hardy with parasites and again not generally needed for ducks. Congrats and good luck!

 

[Meliduck]

Thank you so much for your help. Thanks for the good luck wishes.

 

[ChristineR]

You do not need to worm a baby duck. Most people do not even routinely worm their grown ducks. It's not usually a huge issue for ducks. I've always been told if you suspect a parasite overload - have their poop tested. Most vets (EVEN I f they do not see ducks) will test the poop for you for less than $30. Treat at that point if it is needed. Routine worming for the sake of worming is hard on their bodies, reduces their own ability to be hardy with parasites and again not generally needed for ducks. Congrats and good luck!

x2

I've actually never wormed my ducks. It's not a bad idea to get a fecal done, though.

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Personally I just feed my ducks a lot of squash from the garden (which they LOVE) and we've never had worms here. I've read that squash is a natural wormer, not sure why tho. I use DE in the deep litter only.

Great tip above of the vet fecal test above.