Help - Seizure, Heart Attack???????

[Miss Lydia]

 

[chickens really]

Hello..Over stimulation can cause that to happen..They over react.
Ducks don't require heated water to swim..

 

[CrystaBub]

I’ve had the same thing happen to a couple of my ducklings. Never my adults. I believe they aren’t getting enough vitamins while their nervous systems are still forming. Both of my ducklings had seizures (what you described above) when they got suddenly overstimulated. In my case it was flipping on lights and sudden banging of doors. Can you start giving them some liquid poultry vitamins? It should get better. And yes it is so scary.

I’m sorry that happened to your ducks also but I’m glad I’m not the only one it’s happened to. Thank you! I’ll go get some vitamins!!!

 

[CayugaJana]

My 8 wk old ducks are still sleeping inside at night b/c the temps are inconsistent. I walked them to their outside run this morning, they went into their pool to wash off the overnight nasty. I decided to help my Runner Gabby since she had poop on her bill. When I splashed at her and grabbed at her bill (that I've done before btw), she acted like she went into a seizure or heart attack. She froze up, legs pulled into her body, head turned backwards. I picked her up quickly and held her. I thought she was going to die in my arms. Eventually she got back to normal and is now completely normal acting. So what happened????? Did I scare her into a seizure or heart attack? I feel horrible!

When she flung her head back, did she fall on her back and kick in the air like she was riding a bike? Then once she stopped twitching, she had a short period of time where she was stary eyed and very still while she recuperated? Then in about 5 minutes was back to playing like normal? I’ve only had it happen to my cayugas but not my Pekins.

 

[CrystaBub]

When she flung her head back, did she fall on her back and kick in the air like she was riding a bike? Then once she stopped twitching, she had a short period of time where she was stary eyed and very still while she recuperated? Then in about 5 minutes was back to playing like normal? I’ve only had it happen to my cayugas but not my Pekins.

Yes exactly that!!! Except she was in the water at the time and just froze after. It was horrifying!

 

[Miss Lydia]

So sorry you both went through that. I am so happy to hear she came through and is doing fine now.
Hope your weather warms up so you all can enjoy some springtime.

 

[CayugaJana]

Yes exactly that!!! Except she was in the water at the time and just froze after. It was horrifying!

That was always my worry, what would happen if they had a seizure in the water and I wasn’t around. I sure am glad you were there for her!

 

[CrystaBub]

She has been fine all day. I hope that never happens again. Thanks for all the advice and kind words.

 

[CrystaBub]

Hi everyone. I may need more help (or just reassuring words LOL) on this topic....

Gabby had another 'fit' this morning. This is the 4th time. Here are the situations - always in the morning:
1st - splashed water on her - fit
2nd - stuck her head in duck soup - fit
3rd - turned on light - fit
4th - today - opened pen door - fit

Since the first 'fit' I've added complex B supplement to both daytime drinking water and duck soup (daily treat). I re-introduced water at night with electrolyte/vitamin supplement. My ducks get Purina duck pellets mixed with oats and brewer's yeast as their feed which is available all day. Their treats include kale, dandelion, strawberries, corn on cob, peas, meal worms - all organic except the meal worms. They have grit available at all times. Their bedding, coop and daytime pen is always clean. They have constant access to water. They roam the yard but with me by their side and they haven't gotten into anything poisonous that I'm aware of. I have cameras on them day and night and I don't see anything except sweetness between the two ducks. I talk sweetly to them before I open anything in the morning - or turn on lights. And again, this is ONLY in the mornings - within the first 5-10 mins. I guess she could be like me - just needs coffee before she can function properly

Jabby (Pekin Drake) is fine and never had a 'fit'. Gabby (Runner Duck) is the only one with the issue.

I don't know what else to do for her. Thoughts???? Do you think this is something that she will out-grow? Every time it happens I think this is the last time and she won't 'come to'. I read another post recently about someone's ducks having fits and her ducks die after. If you all can think of anything else I can try, PLEASE let me know.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

She's not a crested duck is she?
Sounds like you are doing everything right. If she's not crested, maybe she is just timid and everything throws her into a tizzy?
Well, if she's like my dog who is afraid of her own shadow. But, I don't know if ducks can be like that without something else going on?