Duckling anxiety??

[cdnngr]

I recently received 3 ducklings (flying mallards)! I am new at this, so sorry for my lack of "chick" language; and everything seems to be going alright. One duckling is okay with being handled, and being removed from his friends. The other two on the other hand do not. When I take all of them out of their tank, I take the social one out first, then the other two and they do not like it one bit. I have noticed that the social one is higher on the pecking order, and the other two follow. Recently while observing them I noticed while cleaning themselves that the shy ones seem to almost be rubbing a little bald spot on their neck. I'm not sure if this is from anxiety, or maybe irritation from the shavings I am using? The social one is fine and is always first to settle down and sleep.

What are you opinions on this/do you have any tips to help soothe anxiety?

Thank you !

 

[Amiga]

Yes, I feel that ducklings and ducks have emotions. Where is the bald spot? Depending on their age, they may just be losing baby feathers before the others come in. To be on the safe side, I would add poultry vitamins to their water once a week. For a boost.

The shavings could be irritating them. I have found that some shavings - the ones in kraft paper - don't have as much resin smell as the others. Particularly the ones that come in plastic wrap. Ducks can be sensitive to such things. I know I am, and we just used old towels because the resiny shavings gave us (my beloved and me) both ripping headaches. So imagine the little ones' reactions. Again, I may just be sensitive to it. Oh, so many variables!

As for soothing anxiety, a good diet, plenty of fresh water, bedding as dry and clean as you can reasonably manage (our home had no odor from the brooder being in our guest room with eleven ducklings for three months - that was a bit of work, but not that bad).

A fairly peaceful environment, away from potential sources of harm - raucous people and other animals, nothing dangling overhead, no drafts but good ventilation.

Maybe some peaceful music. My ducks like music and I sing to them sometimes.

Oh, and there is a point in their development when even the friendliest one may become frightened of you. It appears to be hormonal. Just keep calm, offer treats, spend time near them. They will come around but it takes weeks. And some ducklings do not go through this. Just a heads up.

Keep us posted!

 

[cdnngr]

Thanks for your help!! I am going to try to change their bedding to a hay/straw because that's what they came shipped in! They are still in a new environment and may be scared still. As for the bald spot it is on their neck, so when it swells from eating and then they dip their heads to clean themselves right before a nap. I'm not 100% on age, but I do not believe they are a full week old yet so I'm not sure growing in feathers is the problem.

Also- any suggestions on vitamins? Brands?

Any other suggestions, let me know!!

 

[Amiga]

Do they get food 24/7? If they don't they may gorge, and that will not only cause their necks to swell but could lead to skin infection (based on something I have seen on the forum). Not accusing, just trying to cover some bases.

Any brand of plain niacin. It comes in capsules you can open and dissolve in the water. 150 mg per gallon is a good guideline from Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks. Or, you can get brewer's yeast (not baking yeast) and sprinkle a tablespoon on their food daily.

 

[cdnngr]

I let my duckligs feed 24/7 and I'm waiting until they are about a week to introduce some fresh foods. I read that the bottom of their necks swell from eating because that's where they store it before or during digestion. But correct me if I'm wrong!

And thank you for the vitamin help, I'll definitely start that and see if it helps !

 

[Amiga]

I don't recall my runners doing that, but I have learned that ducks have a wide spectrum of normal behavior.