Help - 3 week old ducklings dead in 18 hours!

[Miss Lydia]

Search coccidiosis by shag bark bantams

 

[DuckDuckGooseMum]

I agree with @Miss Lydia. It sounds like Coccidiosis to me. I have not dealt with it personally but because I lean toward paranoia..worry wart..I read as much as I can and the symptoms sound tragically correct. It's possible that a wild bird delivered it as they can certainly transmit lice, mites & diseases. However, birds almost always have the bacteria within them. You need to visit your local feed supply store and purchase Corrid. I don't know the dosage but I'm sure someone else can advise? Do be cautious as it's mixed with feed or water and ducklings can overdose if ingesting too much. Corrid is a brand name but the medication is called Amprolium, I believe.
From what I understand, this disease can overcome young, older or ill ducklings & chicks but is generally does not unless their systems are weakened or compromised by something else. I'd treat this immediately..keep them dry & warm & give niacin (water soluble vitamin b supplements) & electrolytes. Don't worry, poultry cannot overdose on vitamin b as the excess will transfer to waste & the more electrolyte ingested right away the better.
I'm so terribly sorry for your loss! It sounds like you've been a diligent and loving mom. This isn't something you should blame yourself for. These things do, unfortunately happen. I will keep you & yours in prayer.

 

[casportpony]

Corid dose

Treatment	20% Powder	9.6% Liquid
For 3-5 days	1.5 teaspoons per gallon	2 teaspoons per gallon
then for 7-14 days	1/3 teaspoon per gallon	1/2 teaspoon per gallon

When treating a bird for coccidiosis one can give an oral drench in addition to their medicated water. Here are the instructions:

Corid 9.6% liquid - Do not dilute

• Give 0.1 ml per pound of body weight orally once or twice a day for 1-3 days.

or

• 0.02 ml per 100 grams of body weight orally once or twice a day for 1-3 days.

Corid 20% powder - Mix 1/2 teaspoon powder with 2 teaspoons water.

• Give 0.34 ml per pound of body weight orally once or twice a day for 1-3 days.

or

• 0.07 ml per 100 grams of body weight orally once or twice a day for 1-3 days.

The directions above are the same when using any 9.6% liquid or 20% powder. Such products include Amprol, AmproMed, Amprolium 200, Amprid, CocciAid, etc.

Click here to learn how to give medications orally:
Safely Administering Oral Medications to All Poultry and Waterfowl

 

[casportpony]

@Dees ducks, ignore my post above, those are not available in the UK. Those in the UK use something called Harker's Coxoid.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Same dose @casportpony .

 

[casportpony]

Same dose @casportpony .

No, but there should be instructions on the bottle. What the bottle won't have though are instructions for giving a direct oral dose, which is what I would recommend in addition to the medicated. water.

For that, I would suggest giving 0.06 ml per 100 grams of body weight orally 2 times a day.

 

[ValerieJ]

I'm soooo sorry!!! What a tragic experience for you!!!

I agree with the Cocci diagnosis, but can I ask what you used to disinfect your coop?

 

[Miss Lydia]

@Dees ducks how is your duckling?

 

[Dees ducks]

Last duckling died yesterday afternoon. I'm so so so devastated, upset, heartbroken and angry in equal measures. I only had the 5 ducklings 24 days but they were already part of the family and I loved each and every one.
Thank you all for your advice and support it is much appreciated.
I will look up cocci and see the info. Before your suggestions I was thinking hepatitis? My older ducks and older ducklings seem to be fine though ( please God).
I don't know - if feels like all the joy has been sucked out of my world.Can't seem to express the same enthusiasm for my other ducks or my dogs for that matter. I think I'm still in a bit of shock, hopefully it will pass.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I’m am very sorry. That was very heartbreaking for you I can’t imagine losing 5 hard enough losing one or two. I hope your other ducks can help ease the pain.