dying ducklings

[kimber1957]

We had 18 Pekin ducks that are a month old....they started dying on Thur. We had one then, one yesterday and 3 today. We have never had ducks before and are at a loss as to what to do.....any suggestions?

 

[Debs Flock]

We had 18 Pekin ducks that are a month old....they started dying on Thur. We had one then, one yesterday and 3 today. We have never had ducks before and are at a loss as to what to do.....any suggestions?

Need more details please.
How/where are they housed?
Could they have gotten into anything poisonous (bug spray, ant baits, etc.)?
How are they acting?
Are they eating, drinking, pooping?
What do you feed them?
Do they always have drinking water available?

Let's start there.

 

[Debs Flock]

@kimber1957 - I've been checking back. You must be at the vet with the remaining littles. That's good. Please keep me posted.

 

[kimber1957]

I'm so sorry....this has been an awful day! I did hear back from the vet and she told me there was nothing in their intestine to explain the loose stools. She did find some evidence of a respiratory infection and told me to call the state vet and get a hold of him and ask for a duck reference. I just found another dead duckling....I had to wedding to go to and was gone for about 2 hours....they had fresh water and food when I left. I'll try to answer your questions in order...

they were raised in a stock tank until two weeks of age and then moved into a pen in our garage. They have been foraging outside for two weeks and were growing and doing well until Thursday. They are on a wood shavings the garage at night and still have a heat lamp. They also have water and food.

I don't think they might have gotten into anything as they were in their outside pens for almost 2 weeks with no problems.

They seem fine...a bit off their feed....which is Purina game bird starter....non-medicated...which they have been on since we had them... They are walking around...the one that died wasn't moving around as much as the other ducks....

They always have water....

 

[Debs Flock]

Do you know what type of wood...for the shavings? Cedar is bad. Most people use pine.

Have you added a Niacin source to their food? Brewers yeast is a good source. 1 tablespoon per 1 cup of food until they're at least 20 weeks old. Have you given them anything to eat besides their normal food?

Is the state vet suppose to give a referral to a duck vet?

I don't really know how to help with respiratory issues. I would bet that there are things electrolytes/probiotics that you could add to their water that might help.

I'll tag some others with more experience & knowledge. Hopefully they'll have some suggestions.

@Miss Lydia
@jtn42248
@casportpony
@Lacrystol
@Amiga
@caesargirl

 

[Amiga]

Quick thoughts

Moldy feed?
Mosquitoes can carry a protozoan disease fatal to ducklings
Something else amiss in the feed or water
Check temps
Ammonia in the bedding due to wet spots or other problem

 

[jtn42248]

I hate to even think it but is there any chance you are in an area with avian flu? You have waterfowl that have been in a stock tank so they are more than likely exposed to wild bird droppings. Your vet indicated respiratory issues. I would suggest that you contact your state Ag Extension or Animal Welfare/Management office, explain the symptoms and see what they say. Do you have any other fowl? Chickens, other ducks, geese. Especially waterfowl? If so IMMEDIATELY isolate the sick group of ducklings away from any other birds. If you are in an avian flu high risk area there is a better than 50/50 chance that you have exposure and may have to surrender your sick birds.

Again, I hope this is not the case but if there is even the remotest chance it could be PLEASE address the issue before any additional exposure. And, there is little to no risk of transmission to humans.

 

[Lacrystol]

What's the update here? IF they have respiratory infection, they need antibotics.

 

[kimber1957]

We did get antibiotics a week ago on Saturday and none have died this last week. We ended up losing 11, which was really sad. I hope we have taken care of whatever infected our ducks. The remaining 7 are doing well. Thanks for asking!!