Help! White crested duck struggling

[Quatie]

I know I feel so bad for her. I have not noticed any redness in her ears but I will check just to be sure.

That is true. I’m sure that is another possibility. I wish I knew what to do to help her more.

The crested are just so susceptible to neurological issues. Often issues show up when they hatch, but sometimes it occurs later. Unfortunately if ends up being neurological, I don't believe there is anything you do.

@Miss Lydia may know some ways to help. She usually posts in the morning.

 

[Cockadoodledoochickencoop]

It may be botulism. When I have her swim sometimes she will stop moving and I have to pull her out of the water. So she can get some air. And then I’ll have her sit in a spot so she can rest and then when I go back to get her she’s running around all happy again. She is just a rollercoaster.

 

[Cockadoodledoochickencoop]

The crested are just so susceptible to neurological issues. Often issues show up when they hatch, but sometimes it occurs later. Unfortunately if ends up being neurological, I don't believe there is anything you do.

@Miss Lydia may know some ways to help. She usually posts in the morning.

That is what I think is going on too. I just thought I’d reach out and see if anyone knows something I don’t.

Thank you so much for your help.

 

[Quatie]

It may be botulism. When I have her swim sometimes she will stop moving and I have to pull her out of the water. So she can get some air. And then I’ll have her sit in a spot so she can rest and then when I go back to get her she’s running around all happy again. She is just a rollercoaster.

With botulism, they become lame and often take a very long time to get better if they recover. Botulinum toxin paralyzes muscles. So this doesn't seem like what is going on. But I could be wrong.

That is what I think is going on too. I just thought I’d reach out and see if anyone knows something I don’t.

Thank you so much for your help.

Other than neurological, ear infection is all I can think of. I completely understand wanting to make sure nothing else is going on. Especially since if it is not neurological, you could at least treat it.

Has she still been able to eat and drink ok?

 

[Aunt Angus]

@Quatie, do you think antibiotics might help? I'm not one to be willy-nilly with antibiotics use, but maybe it'll help eliminate some possibilities??? Idk.

 

[KaleIAm]

Is a vet an option for you?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Are you still treating her with selenium niacin and vit E?
I'd check her ears to make sure nothing is going on there. Also, watch the other females because as was mentioned the females will latch onto head feathers too. Mine do.
If that is happening you might want to separate her from the others but where they can all see each other. And give her supervised time with her sisters. What are you using for feed? It's strange it is showing up so long from when you got her till Feb. but reading the link you provided says it can show up months later too so this is the most likely possibility. I'm sure it's very hard to watch every day it was hard for me to watch the poor little one. I like they mention separation too. keeping her from being overstimulated may help.
Is an Avian vet an option? Your video should be posted on every hatchery web page so people can see what they may be in for if they buy a crested duckling. There are crested that go through life without any problems and others that really suffer. Very sad.

 

[Cockadoodledoochickencoop]

With botulism, they become lame and often take a very long time to get better if they recover. Botulinum toxin paralyzes muscles. So this doesn't seem like what is going on. But I could be wrong.

Other than neurological, ear infection is all I can think of. I completely understand wanting to make sure nothing else is going on. Especially since if it is not neurological, you could at least treat it.

Has she still been able to eat and drink ok?

Ok that’s what I was thinking. She very rarely wants to sit still even when she’s tipping over like she’s does.

Ok I’ll check her ears and let you know. She has had no issues eating or drinking.

 

[Cockadoodledoochickencoop]

Are you still treating her with selenium niacin and vit E?
I'd check her ears to make sure nothing is going on there. Also, watch the other females because as was mentioned the females will latch onto head feathers too. Mine do.
If that is happening you might want to separate her from the others but where they can all see each other. And give her supervised time with her sisters. What are you using for feed? It's strange it is showing up so long from when you got her till Feb. but reading the link you provided says it can show up months later too so this is the most likely possibility. I'm sure it's very hard to watch every day it was hard for me to watch the poor little one. I like they mention separation too. keeping her from being overstimulated may help.
Is an Avian vet an option? Your video should be posted on every hatchery web page so people can see what they may be in for if they buy a crested duckling. There are crested that go through life without any problems and others that really suffer. Very sad.

I have still been giving her those vitamins.
I will check her ears. I will also watch her sisters and look for signs they may have grabbed her crest.
I feed her Purina duck feed. I have her separated from the others. I think she loves all the attention she is getting. I do not know of any vets nearby that see ducks. I agree these videos need to be shown so people know what they are getting into buying these crested ducks. I purchased her from Metzer Farms. I emailed them last month raising my concerns, but have not heard anything back.

 

[Cockadoodledoochickencoop]

No sign of an ear infection. Probably just neurological issues she’s struggling from.