Duckling looking lethargic

[Ozarkhomesteader]

I have 8 ducklings that are about 3 weeks old living in a brooder. They are all different breeds, and have been doing fine, but i am a little concerned about my blue Indian runner duckling. She is looking a little off. a little lethargic, but still moving around some, and eating and drinking, but not like normal. The temp is good, and all the others are acting normal. Any ideas? would sav-a-chick stuff help, or is there anything i can do?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have 8 ducklings that are about 3 weeks old living in a brooder. They are all different breeds, and have been doing fine, but i am a little concerned about my blue Indian runner duckling. She is looking a little off. a little lethargic, but still moving around some, and eating and drinking, but not like normal. The temp is good, and all the others are acting normal. Any ideas? would sav-a-chick stuff help, or is there anything i can do?

I'd dif use the save a chick won't hurt any of them. are he others keeping her from eating or picking on her? Brooder large enough so they can move around with out getting in each others way.

 

[Ozarkhomesteader]

I'd dif use the save a chick won't hurt any of them. are he others keeping her from eating or picking on her? Brooder large enough so they can move around with out getting in each others way.

sadly she died last night...
but, nobody was picking on her...it was actually kind of cute. It was like the knew something was wrong. They acted really gentle around her, and when i filled their food and water that morning, they all were aware that she was there and made sure not to bump into her. They are usually really rowdy, but that was neat. When she died, they were all crowded way on the other end of the brooder. It is plenty big. Thanks for the help..i will get some sav-a-chick and add it to the others water.

 

[Miss Lydia]

sadly she died last night...
but, nobody was picking on her...it was actually kind of cute. It was like the knew something was wrong. They acted really gentle around her, and when i filled their food and water that morning, they all were aware that she was there and made sure not to bump into her. They are usually really rowdy, but that was neat. When she died, they were all crowded way on the other end of the brooder. It is plenty big. Thanks for the help..i will get some sav-a-chick and add it to the others water.

I'm sorry to hear you lost her.

It happens but still very sad. Sounds like you have a great group of ducklings post pics when you have a chance.

 

[casportpony]

Quote: Sorry for your loss,

You might want to consider sending her off for a necropsy. Many States offer a free or low cost service, so it's worth looking into.

Labs:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/nahln/downloads/all_nahln_lab_list.pdf

State Vets:
http://www.usaha.org/Portals/6/StateAnimalHealthOfficials.pdf

This is how I send them for necropsy:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/799747/how-to-send-a-bird-for-a-necropsy-pictures

-Kathy

 

[Ozarkhomesteader]

thanks guys! it was sad They are a great group of ducklings! I've nocticed my ducks like each other a lot more than chickens...when another chicken dies (unless there is just 2 together alone) they don't care, but wen a duck dies, everybody "mourns".

Casportpony, i will keep this in mind for next time someone dies...i already got rid of her, but will most likely do this next time (well, lets hope there is not a a next time )

Just curious, i've heard that you should have at least 2 runners in a flock...is this true? i went with it and got 2 runners (still have a black one left) but will the one be ok or should i try to find another runner? First time keeping runners. The other breeds i have (some grown some ducklings) are: rouens, pekins, swdish, khaki campbells, cresteds, welsh harlequins, buffs, and hybrid layers.