Ducks Dying

[Steve Ducks]

Hi,

We are new to raising ducks and need help since we've started loosing 1 every month or two.

We have 2 flocks and are only loosing them from one.

First the duck will have trouble walking, then can't walk much, then not at all, then dies. Still eats and drinks water till the end. Sometimes pure white secretion from the eyes, looks like foam.

Only difference between the 2 groups of ducks is the dying ducks sleep in a screened duck house with a
Formply floor that is scrapped clean every day and the healthy ducks are in a chicken tractor at night that is on a gravel driveway.

Also the dying ducks water is in an old cast iron pot vs. healthy ducks have plastic tub. I since changed the cast iron pot to different pot.

Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Isaac 0]

I think you will find the most accurate diagnosis by sending the next bird into your state lab for a necropsy. Several conditions can cause what you describe, and any suggestion of what it may be over the internet is merely a guess without a thorough examination and diagnostic testing of the deceased birds. Here is some information:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/how-to-send-a-bird-for-a-necropsy-pictures.799747/
https://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

 

[SolarDuck]

Agreed, send in for a necropsy if it is possible. Keep the two flocks completely separated until you figure out what is wrong. Very sorry for your losses.

 

[Bookworm92]

Hi,

We are new to raising ducks and need help since we've started loosing 1 every month or two.

We have 2 flocks and are only loosing them from one.

First the duck will have trouble walking, then can't walk much, then not at all, then dies. Still eats and drinks water till the end. Sometimes pure white secretion from the eyes, looks like foam.

Only difference between the 2 groups of ducks is the dying ducks sleep in a screened duck house with a
Formply floor that is scrapped clean every day and the healthy ducks are in a chicken tractor at night that is on a gravel driveway.

Also the dying ducks water is in an old cast iron pot vs. healthy ducks have plastic tub. I since changed the cast iron pot to different pot.

Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks!

Hi,

We are new to raising ducks and need help since we've started loosing 1 every month or two.

We have 2 flocks and are only loosing them from one.

First the duck will have trouble walking, then can't walk much, then not at all, then dies. Still eats and drinks water till the end. Sometimes pure white secretion from the eyes, looks like foam.

Only difference between the 2 groups of ducks is the dying ducks sleep in a screened duck house with a
Formply floor that is scrapped clean every day and the healthy ducks are in a chicken tractor at night that is on a gravel driveway.

Also the dying ducks water is in an old cast iron pot vs. healthy ducks have plastic tub. I since changed the cast iron pot to different pot.

Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks!

You said that one flock is on gravel. Do they both have access to gravel? Are the dying ones getting any grit in their diet? So sorry they are dying. That’s so frustrating.

 

[Steve Ducks]

Healthy one's duck tractor is on 30mm gravel driveway. I move them out of this area into a separate dirt holding area for the day. Then I let the dying ones out of their duck house into area where the duck tractor is. Rest of the driveway duck run area is dirt in trees. Do they need access to smaller gravel?

 

[Steve Ducks]

Dying ducks (4 left) are mixed with chickens (5), healthy ones (7) aren't

 

[Bookworm92]

Healthy one's duck tractor is on 30mm gravel driveway. I move them out of this area into a separate dirt holding area for the day. Then I let the dying ones out of their duck house into area where the duck tractor is. Rest of the driveway duck run area is dirt in trees. Do they need access to smaller gravel?

They are supposed to be given grit. But I suppose that’s not the issue since you said they all have access to the gravel. Is their floor too slippery? They don’t have good grip on flat surfaces. If you’re scrapping it clean and they can’t grip on to anything maybe they can’t keep their legs under themselves.

 

[Steve Ducks]

The gravel is quite large, 30mm so should have said rock. Do they get enough grit from the dirt or do I need to add something to the food?

Floor has an embossed slip-resistant surface - 3mm etched squares for traction.

 

[Bookworm92]

Maybe this could help. Best of luck to you!
http://www.majesticwaterfowl.org/diagnostic chart.htm

 

[SolarDuck]

Yes they need grit if they don't have it.. but I doubt that's why they are dying. I'd keep them separated from all of the other birds until you get necropsy results.