Help! 6 Week Old Duckling Died

[HilaryAkin]

So devastated to wake up to one of my ducklings dead this morning I have worked really hard at keeping her and her sister alive. The other female was the one I was most worried about since she has a messed up leg, but she’s still alive. For now. I’m currently letting the one still alive swim as it’s good for her leg and makes her happy (it was just her and her sister). It sounds like she’s breathing hard. The only thing I noted about the other before she died was that she was sneezing a bit. I’m terrified it’s a disease and Penelope will die too Do you guys have any suggestions? I clean out their bedding twice a day since they’re so messy. Maybe baths aren’t a good idea because it’s cold out?! Though I dry them off and put them under their lamp (if they want to get warm).

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm sorry that your duckling died.

Perhaps some folks can offer some tips. @shawluvsbirds @Miss Lydia @HollowOfWisps

 

[Miss Lydia]

So devastated to wake up to one of my ducklings dead this morning I have worked really hard at keeping her and her sister alive. The other female was the one I was most worried about since she has a messed up leg, but she’s still alive. For now. I’m currently letting the one still alive swim as it’s good for her leg and makes her happy (it was just her and her sister). It sounds like she’s breathing hard. The only thing I noted about the other before she died was that she was sneezing a bit. I’m terrified it’s a disease and Penelope will die too Do you guys have any suggestions? I clean out their bedding twice a day since they’re so messy. Maybe baths aren’t a good idea because it’s cold out?! Though I dry them off and put them under their lamp (if they want to get warm).

Are you letting them swim outside? Being 6 weeks old possibly not fully feathered and swimming in the cold had something to do with it. Chilling first and then put under the heat lamp should probably not be done if you are having cold temps. Most of us let our ducklings swim and play in warm water in the tub till they are fully feathered and can be acclimated to being outside in cold temps. Sneezing can mean many things, dust in from the air getting in their nares or even from the dusty feed. Or respiratory illness especially if other things are showing up too like discharge from nares or eyes. breathing not normal,
I'd cut out swimming outside and keep a close eye on the one you have left. She is going to be extremely lonely I hope you'll consider finding her another friend. One close to her age. In the meantime a mirror placed in her brooder where she can see herself will help just make it secure so it doesn't fall on her.
What's going on with your duckling's leg? Maybe we can help?
I'm very sorry your duckling died.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Do you have a picture of their setup?
What type of bedding are you using?
What feed are you feeding (brand, type and any treats)?
When they're not swimming do they have a water dish deep enough to dunk their entire head?
Any other symptoms?

 

[HilaryAkin]

Are you letting them swim outside? Being 6 weeks old possibly not fully feathered and swimming in the cold had something to do with it. Chilling first and then put under the heat lamp should probably not be done if you are having cold temps. Most of us let our ducklings swim and play in warm water in the tub till they are fully feathered and can be acclimated to being outside in cold temps. Sneezing can mean many things, dust in from the air getting in their nares or even from the dusty feed. Or respiratory illness especially if other things are showing up too like discharge from nares or eyes. breathing not normal,
I'd cut out swimming outside and keep a close eye on the one you have left. She is going to be extremely lonely I hope you'll consider finding her another friend. One close to her age. In the meantime a mirror placed in her brooder where she can see herself will help just make it secure so it doesn't fall on her.
What's going on with your duckling's leg? Maybe we can help?
I'm very sorry your duckling died.

Hey! Not sure you remember me, but I had the duckling that I wasn’t sure if she had a niacin deficiency or slipped tendon. On your advice I began giving her and her sister supplements like brewers yeast and b complex. They only swim in my warm bath and then take them straight to our heated garage with a warming lamp. I’m so worried about Penelope and I try to spend time with her but she seems terrified of me. I will do the mirror thing. Thanks for that suggestion!!! I have a 7 month old duckling that I want to be partners with her (another female and the reason I got the ducklings in the first place) but now I’m worried about introducing the two if there’s a virus.

 

[HilaryAkin]

Do you have a picture of their setup?
What type of bedding are you using?
What feed are you feeding (brand, type and any treats)?
When they're not swimming do they have a water dish deep enough to dunk their entire head?
Any other symptoms?

This is a pic of it when I first set it up a few weeks ago. I’m using pine shavings for bedding. I use purina duck feed and give them mealworms with her b complex on it. Was giving syringe b complex previously but they hated it and I had a hard time making sure they got it all. Yes, I have given them a bigger dish to dunk their faces but that was only a week and a half ago, so maybe too late. Plus, they constantly just knock it over so not sure they can clear their nostrils enough. Not other symptoms besides heavy breathing and what seemed like a niacin deficiency I’ve been treating Since they were 1.5 weeks.

 

[BelovedBirds]

This is a pic of it when I first set it up a few weeks ago. I’m using pine shavings for bedding. I use purina duck feed and give them mealworms with her b complex on it. Was giving syringe b complex previously but they hated it and I had a hard time making sure they got it all. Yes, I have given them a bigger dish to dunk their faces but that was only a week and a half ago, so maybe too late. Plus, they constantly just knock it over so not sure they can clear their nostrils enough. Not other symptoms besides heavy breathing and what seemed like a niacin deficiency I’ve been treating Since they were 1.5 weeks.

what happened in the end?

 

[HilaryAkin]

what happened in the end?

The other duckling is doing great! Besides her bum leg she had since I got her. I think it was an injury during shipment across the country. She just hobbles around with my other duck. They’re best buddies now. Not sure what happen to my 6 week old duckling. Sickness perhaps or weird accident? My husband found her and said she was in a very “odd” position when he found her. Thanks for checking in!

 

[BelovedBirds]

The other duckling is doing great! Besides her bum leg she had since I got her. I think it was an injury during shipment across the country. She just hobbles around with my other duck. They’re best buddies now. Not sure what happen to my 6 week old duckling. Sickness perhaps or weird accident? My husband found her and said she was in a very “odd” position when he found her. Thanks for checking in!

Does she still walk on it the same way? I would keep an eye on her hocks, if thats the case- you might want to spend plenty of time with her earning her trust too, if she ever struggles to get by/worsens, it'll make it easier/less stressful to care for her- not sure how tame she is so figured I'd suggest!
I'm curious, does she manage okay in the water when swimming? I assume when the weight is off her leg she is able to move it without too much trouble?
Thanks for the update, I hope she continues to do well!
I'm sorry for your loss by the way, I know it was a little while back, but all the same