Help! What is happening with my ducks?

[HollowOfWisps]

-Is there any blue green algae in the ponds?

-How well ventilated is the coop that they are in at night?

-Do they have access to shade?

-How far do they have to walk to get to the ponds? If it's far do they have access to water in-between the ponds and coop?

 

[SkySam]

-Is there any blue green algae in the ponds?

-How well ventilated is the coop that they are in at night?

-Do they have access to shade?

-How far do they have to walk to get to the ponds? If it's far do they have access to water in-between the ponds and coop?

No algae in the pond that I can tell, but some green in their pool. I clean the pool often and scrub it well.

It’s extremely ventilated, plus I have been leaving the doors open for extra air.

Yes, shade is provided in many ways.

The pond is just down a little hill. The walk up and down whenever. It’s a short walk.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

No algae in the pond that I can tell, but some green in their pool. I clean the pool often and scrub it well.

It’s extremely ventilated, plus I have been leaving the doors open for extra air.

Yes, shade is provided in many ways.

The pond is just down a little hill. The walk up and down whenever. It’s a short walk.

If that is the case I would lean towards some form of toxin although heat stroke isn't completely out of the question. I would try to treat for both if possible keel them penned somewhere cool away from the pond (a garage or basement maybe?), start a charcoal flush and get them on some electrolytes with vitamins. I believe @Miss Lydia has done charcoal flushes with ducks and knows the dosing.

 

[ruthhope]

I am sorry I am just reading this thread as I am just catching up on today.

I have no experience of issues like your ducks are having. I am in NE Florida and we have had several days over 100F over the weekend and then Tuesday this week. My ducks are doing a lot more lying down on the concrete of my patio while it is in the shade. I presume that is to keep cool. I have added an extra tub of water to cool off in and they have to kiddie pools. I have added extra cold water to the pools during the day to keep them cool. My ducks are eating a lot less than usual but are running around in the shrubbery so getting exercise in the shade. None have exhibited any signs of ill health. So I have no experience of heat stroke.

I agree with advice you are given that it could be toxins. I also agree with separating the ones with symptoms from those without and keeping the ducks away from the pond. I have no experience with charcoal flushes but I believe that @Miss Lydia does have. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/flushes-for-aiding-in-toxin-removal.700526/

Keep the sick one hydrated with constant access to fluids. If they are not eating normally I would give pediatric electrolyte solution as it has glucose content that provides calories and gives an energy boost. You can buy the sachets [one brand is pedialyte] at pharmacies.
Keeping the sick ones cool, calm and hydrated is important. I bring sick ducks into my sunroom sleeping in dogcrates. But the other suggestions given -- basement or garage will work too. I like them in the house as it is easier to give them the extra care and attention they need.

Without a vet, a charcoal flush, along with extra hydration is the best you can do. Have tube feeding equipment available as that might be needed to keep them hydrated. @casportpony has advised others on tube feeding and keeping a duck hydrated.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ng-guide-pictures-under-construction.1064392/

Good luck with your little ones

 

[SkySam]

Took two ducks to the vet. Turns out it was a neurological toxin found in rat poison, likely from my neighbors since we don’t have any. There is nothing I can do but humanly put down the ones suffering. Thank you everyone who tried to help!

 

[Miss Lydia]

If that is the case I would lean towards some form of toxin although heat stroke isn't completely out of the question. I would try to treat for both if possible keel them penned somewhere cool away from the pond (a garage or basement maybe?), start a charcoal flush and get them on some electrolytes with vitamins. I believe @Miss Lydia has done charcoal flushes with ducks and knows the dosin

Took two ducks to the vet. Turns out it was a neurological toxin found in rat poison, likely from my neighbors since we don’t have any. There is nothing I can do but humanly put down the ones suffering. Thank you everyone who tried to help!

So very sorry. you might want to book mark this link in case you ever need it.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/flushes-for-aiding-in-toxin-removal.700526/

 

[ruthhope]

Took two ducks to the vet. Turns out it was a neurological toxin found in rat poison, likely from my neighbors since we don’t have any. There is nothing I can do but humanly put down the ones suffering. Thank you everyone who tried to help!

So sad for you and your ducks. How many did you have to put down?

Can you prevent your ducks going onto your neighbor's property? Can you fence off the boundary or fence in your ducks in a pen that includes your pond but stops them going further?

Did the vet say that the damage caused by the toxins was permanent as the reason for purting down your ducks? Heartbreaking.

 

[SkySam]

So sad for you and your ducks. How many did you have to put down?

Can you prevent your ducks going onto your neighbor's property? Can you fence off the boundary or fence in your ducks in a pen that includes your pond but stops them going further?

Did the vet say that the damage caused by the toxins was permanent as the reason for purting down your ducks? Heartbreaking.

3 so far.
We are working on a fence but for now they are in their pen so I can monitor behavior.
The vet put down one when we were there and the other passed in the car ride on the way. The toxin was absorbed before we knew what was happening and it already got in the bloodstream. There is no flushing it at this point. Some may make it and be just fine. Some may make it with lasting effects. Others won’t make it. Any that are obviously suffering I will humanly put down.

My guess via behavior and what I observed previously, I think at least two more will not make it. We will see if they worsen or start to get better. It all depends on how much of the toxin they were exposed to.

For anyone who finds this thread who are noticing similar problems with their ducks. DONT WAIT. Get a vet and start flushing before it’s too late. If symptoms are bad it may be too late. Good luck all and thank you everyone who responded.

 

[ruthhope]

3 so far.
We are working on a fence but for now they are in their pen so I can monitor behavior.
The vet put down one when we were there and the other passed in the car ride on the way. The toxin was absorbed before we knew what was happening and it already got in the bloodstream. There is no flushing it at this point. Some may make it and be just fine. Some may make it with lasting effects. Others won’t make it. Any that are obviously suffering I will humanly put down.

My guess via behavior and what I observed previously, I think at least two more will not make it. We will see if they worsen or start to get better. It all depends on how much of the toxin they were exposed to.

For anyone who finds this thread who are noticing similar problems with their ducks. DONT WAIT. Get a vet and start flushing before it’s too late. If symptoms are bad it may be too late. Good luck all and thank you everyone who responded.

Glad you are able to use this adversity to advise others. What has happened to your ducks is just horrible. Cyber hugs from another duck lover

 

[SkySam]

3 so far.
We are working on a fence but for now they are in their pen so I can monitor behavior.
The vet put down one when we were there and the other passed in the car ride on the way. The toxin was absorbed before we knew what was happening and it already got in the bloodstream. There is no flushing it at this point. Some may make it and be just fine. Some may make it with lasting effects. Others won’t make it. Any that are obviously suffering I will humanly put down.

My guess via behavior and what I observed previously, I think at least two more will not make it. We will see if they worsen or start to get better. It all depends on how much of the toxin they were exposed to.

For anyone who finds this thread who are noticing similar problems with their ducks. DONT WAIT. Get a vet and start flushing before it’s too late. If symptoms are bad it may be too late. Good luck all and thank you everyone who responded.

Update: Found out today it’s avian influenza and that someone is coming out tomorrow to put them down.