Help, please!

[happyhens1972]

You're not horrible at all and you have done a wonderful thing in rescuing this little one but you just need to realise that they have nutritional needs that must be met and cannot be cobbled. It's a bit like rescuing a human baby and saying 'I don't have milk, will orange juice do?'

The duckling will go down hill very fast if it isn't getting enough food or the right nutrients so you either have to go out of your way to provide them or accept that you can't and either pass the baby on to someone who can or cull it humanely to prevent it suffering.

It doesn't mean you are horrible, just ill equipped for an unexpected turn of events.

 

[drumstick diva]

I don't know anything about ducks but, dogs, lacking certain minerals etc. will eat their own poo . He may be doing this because he is lacking something his body needs. Have you posted on the duck threads where you might receive more advice about diet, etc. He and the other duckling may have internal problems they were born with - and cannot be helped.

Responders can't be of much help when you shoot down their attempts. You can't drive (neither can I) can your friends or family drive you? Your neighborhood doesn't have the products you need. Sometimes they do but, are available at places you would never think of.

I wish I could give you easy answers but, I have none.

 

[chooks4life]

Everyone's a learner, don't beat yourself up about it. People who are willing to rescue an animal and not look the other way often end up with an animal that they don't know how to look after, which obviously means a scramble for resources and information within a limited time frame.

There's no substitute for proper nutrition, which is why I placed such emphasis on it, not to attack you for not meeting the needs. I'm sorry if you felt like I was having a go at you, I didn't intend it that way.

You've been given a good sample 'cobbled' up meal for the duckling, hard boiled/scrambled eggs will go far for many different species in dire straits. Sometimes they need it soft boiled.

I personally haven't kept ducks but I've kept many other species and when you're in a pinch, eggs are a staple 'baby food' which can save lives, even for herbivores in need.

Best wishes.

 

[Anxshiyn]

Luckily the little store in the corner did have some duck feed. It was a race against time but I made it in time home. I just have to feed the little guy. Thank you for your advice.

 

[happyhens1972]

Yay!

Make sure there is plenty of water available....maybe even mix some to a slurry to begin with.

 

[Anxshiyn]

Yay! e Make sure there is plenty of water available....maybe even mix some to a slurry to begin with.

Yea, I've been trying to fees him but he has no appetite. So far, I've been feeding it to him when he has an episode cause that's when he has his mouth open.

 

[gander007]

Actually in East L.A. you have everything you need and you need to find a feed store and get some flock raiser or duck feed but untill then you should see if the little guy will eat a hard boiled egg and this has most of the vitamins and protein a duck needs ....




Some of my last weed hatches .......






Keep him worm hot to hot just worm and a little sun is great for them also .....







Some of my Feb ducklings .....





Feeding time at the zoo here .....






Aflack,, I have had her for over 4 years ....







If you still need help just ask .........

 

[Anxshiyn]

Actually in East L.A. you have everything you need and you need to find a feed store and get some flock raiser or duck feed but untill then you should see if the little guy will eat a hard boiled egg and this has most of the vitamins and protein a duck needs .... Some of my last weed hatches ....... Keep him worm hot to hot just worm and a little sun is great for them also ..... Some of my Feb ducklings ..... Feeding time at the zoo here ..... Aflack,, I have had her for over 4 years .... If you still need help just ask .........

Troubles not eating much. He's only drinking water. I'm worried that he might make it. If only I bought the duck feed when we first got them, the other duckling and trouble would be okay..

 

[gander007]

Quote:
Well we all live and learn so lets move forward from here ....

Try the hard boiled egg and see if the Protein and vitamin B-3 will help him out and get something in to your ducks stomach.......

 

[happyhens1972]

Is he under heat? If he is cold, his system will begin to shut down. Don't feed him while he's having an 'episode' either or he will likely aspirate the food and die anyway.And definitely try the egg....I tend to scramble rather than boil as it retains more moisture.