Duckling - Naval Infection or Pasty Butt?

[Searsmom]

I bought 5 (2-day old) ducklings at the co-op yesterday and one has not grown and is getting more and more lethargic. They have niacin in their water and chick starter, as well as a long plastic tub that has the heat lamp at one end so they can get away if they get hot. But one of them - I've looked at his vent and I uhm, actually can't find it. I did find a twisted hard knot of feathers where the vent should be. I soaked him in warm water and washed away what I could, but every time I try to gently peel back those twisted, wet fluff feathers, he squeals like he's dying. Is it possible that this duck was sexed and sexed in such a way that destroyed his vent? Not eating, not interacting and fading fast.

I'm thinking if he can't poop, he's not going to eat. He was fine yesterday - little smaller than the others, but they have now all noticeably outgrown him. His rear area skin is bright red, but that could have been from the warm water.

Could it be more something like a navel infection and there's nothing I can do about that either?

- sorry, always misspell navel -

 

[Amiga]

Do you have something like gro gel or sav a chick? At least if he is drinking you might get some vitamins into him.

jenniemig posted here post 92 referring to this

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/854725/new-duckling-owner/90#post_12847913

dehydration? Perhaps you can get the duckling to drink more, and get some electrolytes in the water - a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water might be worth a try.

I am just trying to think of what I would do, without a vet, in the same circumstance.

 

[fried green eggs]

I would try holding his bottom in warm water with a little Epsom salt in it. You may need to let his bottom soak for a bit to get his vent clean. If you have Neosporin you could put some on his red bottom and umbilical cord. After try giving him some sugar water - dip his beak and see if he swallows it and you can cook a egg and mash it up to feed him.

 

[Searsmom]

I will try the Epsom salts - I soaked him in warm water. I don't have any gro gel or sav-a-chick. I did try them on hard boiled egg yolk today, but he's not eating anything.

...just tried Epsom salts. He was drinking fine yesterday. No signs of this at all, and they've all been eating. Will try sugar water after he warms up again.

 

[Amiga]

Epsom salt is a laxative - soaking his bottom in it is one thing, but I try to remember to let people know E.s. is a laxative.

 

[Searsmom]

I just put some bacitrin (non-med) on his rear and will try the ACV in water - maybe with a little sugar?

 

[Amiga]

Just a wee little bit - might be worth a try.

This is new to me. Offering ideas here. Wish I were more help. I need to sign off now. Thinking of you and praying for you.

 

[Searsmom]

Just a wee little bit - might be worth a try.

This is new to me. Offering ideas here. Wish I were more help. I need to sign off now. Thinking of you and praying for you.

Thank you so much!

 

[Searsmom]

Just an update, I got a little ACV/sugar water into him. Miniscule amounts of each in a cup of warm water - and just a miniscule amount in him. But he was protesting, good sign. Still don't expect to see him around in the morning, but I've done what I can.

 

[fried green eggs]

Hope he pulls through!