Duckling Unexpected Death

[OhNos]

So, my duckling that I obtained 5 - 6 weeks ago is a healthy happy duck, starting to grow his white feathers. But yesterday, while on a walk, I found another duckling that was just left. My boyfriend shortly after (when we talked about what to do) pointed out that a cat was lurking in the bushes, looking at him.

So, we decided to take him in. It seemed a little weird at first, because yes he did run away, but he just comfortably sat in my hands and cuddled up to me instantly. Then I fed him a little bit of grule (oatmeal, barley, corn meal, sunflower seeds grounded up into a flour and then mixed with a little water.) He ate, drank water, then we took a nap. Did this about ever 3 - 4 hours, until finally I went to pick him up and he was acting really strange.

He started to jerk his head back (which would cause him to flip over) and all the sudden wasn't able to hold his head up no longer. I knew at that time he wasn't going to make it, but I wrapped him up in a soft shirt and cuddled with him. He wasn't breathing awkwardly (except towards the end you could tell he was having problems, because he was opening his mouth up for air about 2 minutes before death.)

I was just wondering if anyone knows what might of happened? Was it because I picked him up? I used to do this to many birds of the course of my years, but this is the first time that this happened with these symptoms. Literally, it looked like he was having mini seizures with his head jerking around. Then, he just stared at me for a long time, then finally his eyes dilated and he passed.

We live in an area with lots of ducks, and unfortunately, lots of cats (we are not cat people, sorry.) And lots of stupid drivers and people who like to send their dogs hunting for these ducks that live around here.

With that said, we'd like to learn more about what may have happened to him that could have caused his death, to possibly avoid it if it was our fault, or if this is something we should continue to except when being the rescue team of ducks in this neighborhood, if we find another abandoned duckling.

Just so it's said, we do not take any ducklings or ducks, away from their family. We look around and make sure that there is none in sight, and even then make the decision if they should be brought back with us. Only when there are no ducks in sight and their is danger around, do we act.

 

[Amiga]

The only way to be sure of the cause of death is from a necropsy. It may not be an option for you.

But there are many causes for duckling deaths. I doubt it was something you did. This was a lone duckling, possibly already abandoned by its mother, or lost because it could not keep up. It could be birth defect, infection, injury, or something else.

If it had enough water, warmth, and proper nutrition (what you fed sounded fine for early feeding), and was otherwise healthy, I would have expected it to be okay.

So, good on you for caring and acting. Our hearts get broken often when we care, it seems to me.

 

[OhNos]

That's what I figured. It just seemed weird, because if he was acting this way throughout the time I had him, I wouldn't have questioned the death, but at first, when we woke up from the nap the first time around, he had no problem getting up and walking around checking out his surroundings. And had no problem coming back to me and forcing himself against me when we was ready for sleep again.

It was about the 12th hour where his head started to jerk and was acting really weak and weird. Up till then, he acted no different than Your Highness, when he was at that age. My boyfriend suggested a fractured neck or lung infection, but I didn't hear any breathing problems and he didn't complain painfully when I would feel, just yell at me in annoyance.

=[ We ended up burying him in the backyard, after a couple of hours to ensure that he had in fact passed out (hopeful thinking that he didn't.) It just made us sad, because we are expecting in 3 months and then the thought of "what if this happens to our son" came into mind, I guess.

 

[Amiga]

Ducks hide illness often till it is too late to help them. What a lovely last day he had with you, yes?

Life is short. My own experience has taught me that. Another thing that is just as true and important to remember, is that we can fill our lives with good things, and strong healthy connections. May your child bless you for many years, and may you bless your child as well.

 

[OhNos]

That's true. =] And thanks for the blessing.