Female muscovy help

[kjackson1992]

Our oldest muscovy is coming up to around the age where she should start laying.

My question is does a ducks behaviour change around this time?
She has begun walking very slowly, doesnt seem to be eating or drinking as much and has been spending a lot of time sat down.

We have her seperated at the moment as we werent sure if it was perhaps an injury.

Any insight would be appreciated



PS: For anyone who was helping me in my last thread we did unfortunately have to get Peeper put down, his infection cleared up but he was still unable to walk, the vet did an autopsy and it turned out he had an enlarged testicle that was pressing on his sciatic nerve. It was a sad day but in the end both me and my wife felt it was for the best. Poor guy must have been in agony for weeks with the pressure there

 

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

Our oldest muscovy is coming up to around the age where she should start laying.

My question is does a ducks behaviour change around this time?
She has begun walking very slowly, doesnt seem to be eating or drinking as much and has been spending a lot of time sat down.

We have her seperated at the moment as we werent sure if it was perhaps an injury.

Any insight would be appreciated



PS: For anyone who was helping me in my last thread we did unfortunately have to get Peeper put down, his infection cleared up but he was still unable to walk, the vet did an autopsy and it turned out he had an enlarged testicle that was pressing on his sciatic nerve. It was a sad day but in the end both me and my wife felt it was for the best. Poor guy must have been in agony for weeks with the pressure there

I’m so sorry for your loss. I am glad, however, that you were able to get an answer as to what was wrong.

As for your question, my two Muscovy hens just started laying. They are ten months old. Neither had the changes you described. My smaller girl seemed a bit calmer than usual the day before and had been a little bit more independent than usual for a couple of days before that. My other ‘Scovy was also a bit calm for 24 hours prior. Neither had a change in appetite or any lethargy. Both girls were visibly a bit sore and slow for a few hours after their first eggs, but were then back to normal.

However, my Rouen had the symptoms you described (lower appetite, sitting down a lot, walking slowly) when she had reproductive issues last fall.

Would your little lady let you catch her so that you can do a quick exam?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I am very sorry to hear about Pepper. As for your female I think it would be wise to do an examine like @Daphne_loves_mealworms rec.