First-Timer

[littlecollier]

So after all this I’m completely paranoid and so worried about the remaining three.

My partner (ever the optimist) said they were great and super excited when he got home.

When I got home they seemed sleepy and were camped out under the brooder. He hand fed them some crumbles and when I picked them up to say hello both of the littles sort of “spit up” clear snotty kind of liquid from their bills.

The Big seems to have a runny nose but is breathing fine.

Any idea what any of this could mean?

I brought out a space heater to try to warm up their area (its approx 70 in the garage, obviously warmer under the brooder plate). Will the breeze from the heater (it’s thenfan kind) do more harm than good?

Feeling completely panicky at the moment.

 

[littlecollier]

Again, I’m sure I’m being paranoid since I’m traumatized from one passing away this morning ...

I just noticed the remaining Big has eaten all the droppings that are in the small box that I lined with a towel for them (inside the new larger brooder that is filled with pine shavings).

Is that a sign of anything? Could it cause a problem? Am I having a heart attack for no reason?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have read other saying their ducks have eaten poop I haven't seen that with mine but I let mamas mostly raise their lil ones. They have plenty of feed and water? constantly? What about any vitamins or ACV have you put any of these in their drinking water? If your using a fan heater just keep it from blowing right over them. Maybe they need to be on antibiotics for a while since you just did lose one. I wish I could be of more help. One thing though is sometimes when you pick them up water or feed will come up because we put pressure on the crop area.

Sorry no one was on yesterday to answer your distress calls.

 

[littlecollier]

I think everything is fine and I need to relax. I’m just so sensitive after losing one.

I think you’re right that it was probably water that came up when I picked them up. It hasnt happened again and I was with them for several hours straight last night.

Plenty of food and water always available, giving them Nutri-Drench and fresh garlic as well. I will try to find antibiotics over the weekend to have on hand in case something comes up.

Figured out the space heater set up and they seem happy now. I think the breeze scared them (they’ve always been inside) so I have a blanket draped that it’s blowing near - Brooder temp is about 75 now and under the plate is much warmer.

Thanks @Miss Lydia for taking so much time with me ... No need to apologize, I think I just worked myself up into a fit because of losing one.

 

[Miss Lydia]

What a precious pic. I am so relieved they all look great and you do sound much more relaxed today. Very understandable to be so worried when you just lost one of your babies. I would be too. I worry a lot over mine anyway. .

Antibiotics should always be last resort but having some on hand is a good idea too. I just ended up having to toss some away because of being so far out of date thankfully I never had to use them.
Please keep us updated on how they all are and with pics love seeing those pics.

 

[littlecollier]

@Miss Lydia Thanks for the reminder, I’ve been so scattered lately!

The trio seems to be doing well - I’m less nervous about everyone kicking the bucket so I think think they’re relaxing too.

The flock is getting along, the remaining Big seems less confused and has stopped looking around for our dearly departed. Seems to be taking on the big brother/sister role pretty well, very patient with the littles!

I took the dog enclosure part of the new brooder out to our front lawn yesterday and we checked out grass for the first time, it was pretty cute. The littles, however, were little enough to scoot through the fencing ... Luckily since we didn’t freak out and make a big deal of it, they would just pop back in to see what Big was doing and never went more than a few inches outside the enclosure. Sadly, I didn’t have my phone and didn’t get any pictures!

We’ve buried our missing Big in the area where our outdoor enclosure is going to be and I got this cool brass duck (looks like it may have been a bookend or a door stop?) off Etsy that I’m going to put at ground level. Thought it would be nice to remember our former duo.

Lastly, a cute morning video for you - I love how Big has this new quizzical look he gives me ... I can’t tell if he’s curious or secretly rolling his eyes at me like a too-cool-for-school 7th grader.

Off to dig up the backyard (we are laying a paver path and patio at the moment!)

 

[Miss Lydia]

That is so precious they look very content and happy. And look very healthy!! Thanks for the update so good to see you joining in on other threads too. Enjoy your day!!

 

[littlecollier]

I almost forgot ... I ordered a cheapie nanny/security camera off Amazon that comes today ... I’m going to set it up near the brooder so I can spy on the babies while I’m at work. I’m so excited to see them ducking around without a human to distract them!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Oh boy that sounds like fun maybe you can share some with us.

 

[Lil Drake40]

I love the duck you are going to putout to mark the grave that is very sweet