duckling issue

[lulu1969]

I have a duckling that was parent hatched but abandoned by it's mother. It is about 2 weeks old (I've had it since it was a day or two old). At first the duckling couldn't stand up but it did still scoot around on it's legs. It is finally able to stand up and walk with no problems, but now I am noticing that it isn't growing very much (it's not even half the size of it's clutch mates) and has had it's fecal matter stuck to it's vent every morning. I was thinking that it was because it sleeps in the food crumbles even though it has fresh bedding. Other than these issues the duckling is doing well. It eats well and the eyes are clear. Any ideas of what may be wrong with it?

 

[Buck Oakes]

u might won't to take it to the vet, it could be that its growth plates are messed up, and as for the vent you should really take him/her to the vet for that

 

[DucksAndGardens]

Sometimes you will just get a chick or duckling that won't thrive no matter what. Usually it means there is just something internally wrong and it's not treatable. Sometimes you just get a runt that with a little TLC ends up being the biggest kid on the block. I would give the duckling some supervised swim time in some warm water daily to make sure it stays hydrated and can clean itself well. Add in the electrolytes and probiotics and see if that makes a difference. Sav A Chic works wonders on chicks and ducklings. Also if you are just feeding chick crumbles I would add in some brewers yeast or niacin to supplement.

Good luck.

 

[lulu1969]

Thanks for the ideas. I have been letting it swim several times a day, especially in the morning to get the dried poop off it's vent. I believe that is what helped it's legs get stronger. I have probiotics on hand, and will get the other stuff tomorrow. Is Sav a Chick available at the local feed stores?

 

[tdd2]

Sav-A-Chic and also Poultry Nutri-Drench are both good products, and both available at TSC, and likely most feed stores.

Good luck with your little one!

 

[Buck Oakes]

yeah good luck, hope u have a great healthy baby