duckling seizures? HELP!

[GoldDogsMom]

How's that little ducky doing?

 

[OnceYouGoQuack]

Hi again, thanks to everyone who has responded. I'm so grateful to have support of others with beloved feathered friends!!! I am happy to say the seizures have slowed considerably, but I don't believe they have stopped altogether as of yet. After the first day when he had three seizures, the next day he only had one around 9 PM. The third day, he had one at 5:30AM. Two complete days have passed since he has had one.

I am closely monitoring him, trying to make note of anything "out of the ordinary" or that could possibly trigger these.

He doesn't seem to let it slow him down. After a couple minutes of 'seeing stars' after a seizure, he is back on his feet. He certainly keeps up with the other two!! I have continued to give vitamin supplements in their water, but in moderation, as I noticed it makes them poop...A LOT.

I don't want to completely clean out their systems, so usually give them a medicated bowl in the morning to start, and then fresh water throughout the day.

Also, to those who asked, I am feeding regular Dumor chick starter/grower from TSC. I know this isn't necessarily great food, but I'm new to this and I feel like I've read so many different good & bad reviews on all starters, I just feel like I turn in circles. I would be open to trying a different kind, so long as it doesn't break the bank. I have so many mouths to feed!

Besides my sweet little duckling having seizures, I have also had my hands full with my furry-kids this week. Anyone who has a pack of (spoiled) dogs like myself, know that sometimes tempers can flare! Yesterday, unfortunately, that was exactly what happened. My usually submissive Australian shep/chow mix girl, Marley, had finally had enough of my cranky beagle girl, Wrinkle, giving her the stink-eye. It happened so quickly, but as usual Wrinkle was all bark and no bite. She's no match size-wise either, so she did as she always does and flopped right on her back with her stubby legs in the air. Marley got her right on the chest and shook her head a couple times. Then in swooped "momma hen" and Marley instantly released her and ran away. I'm SO thankful that it wasn't worse, but Wrinkle has a couple pretty good cuts on belly

...Poor girl takes a while finding a comfortable way to lay down. It's been just over 24 hours since that happened, but it seems that with a lot of kisses and a few table scraps to make Wrinkle feel better, all is well and the two have since kissed and made up.

WHAT A WEEK SO FAR!!

Anyway, to those of you who are still reading after all my venting and rambling, thank you again!!! You have been so helpful and supportive I hope everyone is having a great day with their own crazy critters!

 

[GoldDogsMom]

Great to hear your ducky is doing better!

Sorry about little Wrinkle-I am sure with extra cuddles she will be back giving Stink-eye to Marley again soon!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Glad to hear your duckling is doing so much better, I was wondering if you are giving any niacin to your ducklings? so important. Thanks for the update and hope things continue to stabilize and your duckling has a normal life.

 

[OnceYouGoQuack]

Glad to hear your duckling is doing so much better, I was wondering if you are giving any niacin to your ducklings? so important. Thanks for the update and hope things continue to stabilize and your duckling has a normal life.

Thank you! I am still giving Niacin, as I still can't believe what a difference it made with his wry neck from week 1. I am hoping to see continued improvement, he is such a special little guy. He is determined to keep up with his ducky siblings. Thanks for your help!

Great to hear your ducky is doing better!

Sorry about little Wrinkle-I am sure with extra cuddles she will be back giving Stink-eye to Marley again soon!

You hit the nail on the head, lol. It takes a lot to knock her off her high horse, but it sure doesn't take her long to get back in the saddle!

So far, she seems to be avoiding her altogether and milking this for all it is worth with mom!

...Thanks for the laugh, I needed it!

 

[Olamina]

I'm not sure if this question is relevant or dumb but I'm asking it anyways. One of my pekin babies (Greenie as it has a green band) keeps doing this odd thing with it's mouth. It will open and close it's mouth over and over again (maybe 15 -20 times in a row). It doesn't make any sounds when it does this and doesn't appear to be in any pain. It's eyes and nasal passages are clear and it's eating and drinking and pooping and playing like normal. Is this normal and I'm being paranoid? Or is this a symptom of something?

 

[jonhpdx]

I've had this happen with my ducks. At first I was worried that maybe they were choking or their noses were clogged, so I generally get them around/near water at it seems to help. I still can't tell if they're having a problem or if it's just normal--but in any case, they ducklings have turned out great, so maybe it's just a mannerism?? I don't know.

Make sure that green band on your pekin isn't tight-fitting or otherwise it could really hurt their leg as they grow up. My ducklings came with green bands on them and even taking them off only 12 hours after I received them hurt the birds.

 

[EJPedrazzi]

I'm not sure if this question is relevant or dumb but I'm asking it anyways. One of my pekin babies (Greenie as it has a green band) keeps doing this odd thing with it's mouth. It will open and close it's mouth over and over again (maybe 15 -20 times in a row). It doesn't make any sounds when it does this and doesn't appear to be in any pain. It's eyes and nasal passages are clear and it's eating and drinking and pooping and playing like normal. Is this normal and I'm being paranoid? Or is this a symptom of something?

Does it seem like she's panting like a dog? If so, she may be hot. Make sure she has an area to get away from the heat lamp.

 

[Olamina]

I've had this happen with my ducks. At first I was worried that maybe they were choking or their noses were clogged, so I generally get them around/near water at it seems to help. I still can't tell if they're having a problem or if it's just normal--but in any case, they ducklings have turned out great, so maybe it's just a mannerism?? I don't know.

Make sure that green band on your pekin isn't tight-fitting or otherwise it could really hurt their leg as they grow up. My ducklings came with green bands on them and even taking them off only 12 hours after I received them hurt the birds.

My husband thinks it might be a mannerism as well but I'm not as sure. As for the band we applied it ourselves two days ago and we allowed plenty of extra room for growing. We also check the bands several times a day. I've read way too many horror stories on here to risk it. Thanks for the input and concern.

Does it seem like she's panting like a dog? If so, she may be hot. Make sure she has an area to get away from the heat lamp.

I do feel as if they are panting and my husband is agreeing. It went from just greenie, to bluey, bandit, and orangey. We had the light (a 250w red bulb) about 20 inches away from the brooder and they have room to get away from it. It's been kinda balmy and humid the last few days though and the house has been warmer. We turned the light off and my husband is currently moving it up 6 more inches. Thanks for the help, waiting to see if they stop doing it.