Ducklings dying..please help.

[nformdducky]

We adopted 9 muscuvy ducklings that were about a week or so old because the males were trying to drown them. Over the last day 3 have died out of no where. We have been feeding them worms & crickets. We let them swim in room temp water 3 times a day for about 10 mins. Im not sure what to do.

 

[Amiga]

Have they been given any chick grit? Their little tummies need something to chew with.

Take a look at this:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711

Welcome to the forum.

 

[sourland]

Worms and crickets won't get the job done. Get a diet manufactured for ducklings and start feeding them properly so that they do not die.

 

[jdywntr]

I agree with sourland. A proper diet is essential. Chick starter will do if you can't find something formulated for ducklings.

Where did you "adopt" them from?

 

[Naunnie]

Yeah I also agree....they are starving. They also need to be kept warm. Are you drying them off after they swim? How do you have them set up? Please read the link Amiga posted for you. I sure hope you won't lose anymore....so sad.

 

[nformdducky]

I read the link. We have a cage setup, large dog cage that we cleaned with soap & water. Bedded with ripped newspaper. I used a small milk jug with a hole in it for watering. I had looked up what muscovy ducks eat and assumed crickets and worms would be good as their diet in the ponds around here is small frogs, fish, snails etc.

 

[Amiga]

I can see your reasoning. It's tough to really imitate a natural environment for domestic ducks. So I do think having a complete ration of starter crumbles can be the simplest way to go. If one is out far away from the usual support systems of feed stores and mail order, then one needs to be more creative.

So, I would say go with the advice from the sticky, get some good starter crumbles, add niacin, give a little bit of chick grit, and keep caring for them.

Please keep us updated. If you can upload photo's that would be grand.

 

[nformdducky]

I can see your reasoning. It's tough to really imitate a natural environment for domestic ducks. So I do think having a complete ration of starter crumbles can be the simplest way to go. If one is out far away from the usual support systems of feed stores and mail order, then one needs to be more creative.

So, I would say go with the advice from the sticky, get some good starter crumbles, add niacin, give a little bit of chick grit, and keep caring for them.

Please keep us updated. If you can upload photo's that would be grand.

That is them in my photo. There are only 5 left now. 1 passed last night. I put them in a cat bed with a towel last night cause I dont have a heat lamp. Is chick feed not sufficient? I dont really have alot of money to buy multiple items.

 

[nformdducky]

Is there any chance this could be a disease? There are 5 left and one of them is dying. He is weak, barely opening his eyes. We are holding him in a towel trying to keep him warm. I havent made it to the feed store (i dont have a car) but am waiting on a ride. I dont know what to do.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Is there any chance this could be a disease? There are 5 left and one of them is dying. He is weak, barely opening his eyes. We are holding him in a towel trying to keep him warm. I havent made it to the feed store (i dont have a car) but am waiting on a ride. I dont know what to do.

Hard to say but from all I have read I think they have just gone to far without proper nutrition, Ducks are very hardy if kept in good conditions, plus ducklings need to be kept warm. Please get them proper feed and hope the rest will make it. sorry had to leave pretty quick when I posted this, but I do hope you will post back and let us know how they are doing. Hopefully with proper feed and warmth and some extra TLC they will make it. Sorry about the lil one that was dying when you posted.