Duckling sick all of sudden, Help

[Whistlingduck]

I found a black bellied whistling duck as a hatchling, getting attacked by ants and completely exhausted, in a busy grocery parking lot. He recovered and has been wonderful, healthy and hilarious ever since. Until the second half of today (after a normal morning and lunch) I noticed his food was untouched and he wasn't bouncing around like normal. There was a slight pink/blood in some of his stools (tiny amount, could be shedding intestinal lining) and then some stools are almost straight water. He is drinking Everytime I get him up, will still follow me around, but is quick to go lay back down, which is NOT typical. Any idea what could come on so suddenly? He is now a month old.

 

[casportpony]

Welcome to BYC! Is a vet an option? How about a wildlife rehabber? If not, you could try treating him for worms, coccidiosis, and a bacterial infection.

 

[Whistlingduck]

Thank you that's what my research has led me to conclude as well. He isn't around any other birds and is kept in a very clean habitat. Hopefully he makes it through the night and I will start treatment. No avian vet around, just horses and cows in this area unfortunately.

 

[Steven Bussell]

What are you feeding
Does it have access to grits or dirt

 

[Miss Lydia]

@Whistlingduck how the duckling today?

 

[Whistlingduck]

Slightly more talkative and alert but not 100%. Ate some grit and half-heartedly picked at food. Drinking water with electrolytes and vitamins. Stool is still runny but varies between green and clear/whitish... No more blood. Wormed him last night with ivermectin.

 

[Miss Lydia]

That's a relief I am sure. Hope he continues to improve. Are you going to keep him?

 

[Whistlingduck]

We have two ponds that have anywhere from two to ten whistling ducks around most of the time.. I'm hoping to let him join the group when he/she has matured. The sound of whistling gets him quite excited so I'm sure when he hears adult whistling ducks "talking" he will be on his way in a hurry. I just hope he continues to improve! He's my little buddy!

 

[Miss Lydia]

That’s really nice he has his own kind so close. I hope he continues to improve too. You don’t think he may have eaten something he shouldn’t have?

 

[Whistlingduck]

What are you feeding
Does it have access to grits or dirt

He gets duck starter crumbles, greens, scrambled eggs, whatever little bugs are floating in his pool, etc. Has access to dirt and grass several times a day but is indoors the majority of time. He did consume grit this morning, perhaps that will help more than the little bit of dirt he plays with.