DUCKS!! HELP!!!

[MaryThoreson]

I've raised ducks over the years with no problems. So, I got 2 pekin ducklings to go with my chicks. but this time I'm having problems with one of them. I'm guessing that it's a male because it's smaller than the other one but not sure about that. About a week after we got them (2 weeks ago) the smaller one began having episodes I can only call "seizures". We tried everything, and finally settled that brewers' yeast with garlic in the food and apple cider vinegar in the water were necessary. The episodes eased off and then seemed to quit. But now he's wheezing a bit when he breathes and is very unsteady on his legs. I'm thinking the unsteady is because they really don't have much room right now. That will change in a couple days. They've all begun to feather out so we'll be moving them into the yard and outside roost with lights. My main concern right now is the wheezing. And now the bigger duck is doing it also but to a smaller degree. Would Vet RX help? or should I call the vet?

 

[HomesteaderWife]

I'm so sorry for this - I'm unsure of advice to offer but bumping in case others may be able to chime in. Best healing wishes for you duck

 

[Isaac 0]

I've raised ducks over the years with no problems. So, I got 2 pekin ducklings to go with my chicks. but this time I'm having problems with one of them. I'm guessing that it's a male because it's smaller than the other one but not sure about that. About a week after we got them (2 weeks ago) the smaller one began having episodes I can only call "seizures". We tried everything, and finally settled that brewers' yeast with garlic in the food and apple cider vinegar in the water were necessary. The episodes eased off and then seemed to quit. But now he's wheezing a bit when he breathes and is very unsteady on his legs. I'm thinking the unsteady is because they really don't have much room right now. That will change in a couple days. They've all begun to feather out so we'll be moving them into the yard and outside roost with lights. My main concern right now is the wheezing. And now the bigger duck is doing it also but to a smaller degree. Would Vet RX help? or should I call the vet?

The symptoms you describe sound like a possible thiamine deficiency, or, the duckling may have ingested something toxic. Do you know what that could have been, wire, nails, poisonous house plant, maggots, moldy feed, or perhaps a rotting animal carcass? Could you post a video of the duckling? If you have the ability to see a vet, I suggest you go.

 

[MaryThoreson]

Thank you for the answer. As for getting to anything poisonous, they are in a controlled environment. We actually have them in the spare bedroom in our house. They have no access to anything except what I give them. I change their food twice a day and their water at least that, sometimes more, depending on how much they delight themselves in it. I change their bedding every day. and that might be part of the problem. I use the pine shavings. Now I get the large ones, but the coop did give me small ones one time and I didn't notice. He may have ingested a small pine shaving. He is also spitting up. If you press on him just the slightest bit, he will spit up slimy clear water. I'm at a loss.

 

[Isaac 0]

Thank you for the answer. I think you're right on the niacin deficiency. The brewer's yeast seems to be easing those symptoms. As for getting to anything poisonous, they are in a controlled environment. We actually have them in the spare bedroom in our house. They have no access to anything except what I give them. I change their food twice a day and their water at least that, sometimes more, depending on how much they delight themselves in it. I change their bedding every day. and that might be part of the problem. I use the pine shavings. Now I get the large ones, but the coop did give me small ones one time and I didn't notice. He may have ingested a small pine shaving. He is also spitting up. If you press on him just the slightest bit, he will spit up slimy clear water. I'm at a loss.

To be clear, I said thiamine(B1) not niacin, a niacin deficiency would only cause leg problems. I would follow this article for treatment,

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/thiamine-deficiency-in-waterfowl.75690/

How does his breath smell? Could you post a video of him doing the spitting motion?

 

[chickens really]

I would get them outside if you can for the day. Get them running around and provide water deep enough to dunk their heads. They need excerise to build strong leg muscles.
Good luck..

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Does he have grit?

 

[Miss Lydia]

If your pressing on them your causing the fluid in the crop to come up. It’s usually plain water. I’d def read the article about thiamine because seizures are alarming and can hopefully be taken care of with a good B complex that has thiamine in it. Get your duckling healthy and over this, then think about moving them outside.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I would get them outside if you can for the day. Get them running around and provide water deep enough to dunk their heads. They need excerise to build strong leg muscles.
Good luck..

And what about the seizures what would you do about them?

 

[casportpony]

or should I call the vet?

If wheezing, I would consult with a vet ASAP if possible.