HELP

[Buttercup725]

Hello! This is duckling (Pekin) related so I hope I can get some help. I got two ducklings yesterday who are a few days old, I think. I forgot to ask when they hatched One of the ducklings is fairly active and vocal. The one that I am concerned about is a little smaller, mellow, and a little less active. They are both eating and drinking very well. What I’m concerned about is that the smaller one may have a leaky vent or pasty butt. I say “or” because of the changes I’ve seen. When I brought them home, I noticed that the smaller one was wet around the vent and colored a brownish-gray color but it’s poop is on the drier side and seems to be pooping less than the other duckling. I gave it a warm bath, cleaned and massaged the vent area, toweled dried it and stuck it back under the heat lamp. After a while, the vent area looked normal but the poop is still dry and not a lot comes out. I’m confused as to what the issue could be and what to do about it. I’m keeping a close eye on the two of them and feel like a new mom all over again, constantly checking on them! I’m worried about it thriving. My oldest daughter has already become attached. Any help is appreciated! I’ve also attached pictures of the set up and a vent pic. I didn’t get a pic of the wet vent

ETA: I included another picture to try to show the size difference.

 

[Purelychicks]

Are you sure they are the same age? You might give them probiotics if you aren’t already.

 

[CloneFly]

Welcome to the BYC!

Do you have Nutri Drench? The baby may be dehydrated. Also be sure that the babies recieve Niacin be it through Poultry Cell liquid or Nutritional Yeast... lack of Niacin can be a cause for drowsiness as well. Though with the dry poo it's likely the baby is dehydrated

 

[Buttercup725]

Are you sure they are the same age? You might give them probiotics if you aren’t already.

I was told that the ducklings would be “ready” yesterday. When I picked them up they were all in the same brooder. So I can only assume, ya know? The size difference isn’t drastic but it is noticeable. I haven’t been giving them probiotics but will get right on that! Any specific kind or brand I should use?

 

[Buttercup725]

Welcome to the BYC!

Do you have Nutri Drench? The baby may be dehydrated. Also be sure that the babies recieve Niacin be it through Poultry Cell liquid or Nutritional Yeast... lack of Niacin can be a cause for drowsiness as well. Though with the dry poo it's likely the baby is dehydrated

I haven’t given them anything besides duckling food and water. I’ve had Pekins before, just not ducklings, so this is all new to me.

 

[Purelychicks]

I was told that the ducklings would be “ready” yesterday. When I picked them up they were all in the same brooder. So I can only assume, ya know? The size difference isn’t drastic but it is noticeable. I haven’t been giving them probiotics but will get right on that! Any specific kind or brand I should use?

It doesn’t matter but I usually buy the small packets from tractor supply.. should be by the chicken food area.

 

[Buttercup725]

I’ve been up the majority of the night keeping an eye on the little one and I’m not sure it’s going to pull through It’s become lethargic and isn’t interested in eating or drinking. Tractor Supply opens shortly. I want to do whatever it takes to help but I’m not sure it’s worth it. I hate saying that but I don’t know if there’s anything I can personally do to help it thrive at this point.

 

[SmiYa0126]

@BelovedBirds @New duck mommy 2021 duckling issue! Help!

 

[BelovedBirds]

Hello! This is duckling (Pekin) related so I hope I can get some help. I got two ducklings yesterday who are a few days old, I think. I forgot to ask when they hatched One of the ducklings is fairly active and vocal. The one that I am concerned about is a little smaller, mellow, and a little less active. They are both eating and drinking very well. What I’m concerned about is that the smaller one may have a leaky vent or pasty butt. I say “or” because of the changes I’ve seen. When I brought them home, I noticed that the smaller one was wet around the vent and colored a brownish-gray color but it’s poop is on the drier side and seems to be pooping less than the other duckling. I gave it a warm bath, cleaned and massaged the vent area, toweled dried it and stuck it back under the heat lamp. After a while, the vent area looked normal but the poop is still dry and not a lot comes out. I’m confused as to what the issue could be and what to do about it. I’m keeping a close eye on the two of them and feel like a new mom all over again, constantly checking on them! I’m worried about it thriving. My oldest daughter has already become attached. Any help is appreciated! I’ve also attached pictures of the set up and a vent pic. I didn’t get a pic of the wet vent

ETA: I included another picture to try to show the size difference.

Could you get a photo of the baby's head from a side angle? I believe in one photo I can see a tiny crest (a little tuft of fluff on the back of the head). I want to double check.
Are you certain both are pekins? Is he having any difficulty when walking, or when finding the food or water?

I assume these babies were bought and picked up, not mailed.
Have you seen the baby drinking plenty? You might want to offer some egg yolk or perhaps even some nutridrench, to give him a boost. If he isn't drinking too much or the poops are very dry, you could put the food in a smaller dish and add a little water to create a mash. Duck/duckling poop is very reflective of what they consume, so it could be as simple as him not drinking enough.

 

[BelovedBirds]

Hello! This is duckling (Pekin) related so I hope I can get some help. I got two ducklings yesterday who are a few days old, I think. I forgot to ask when they hatched One of the ducklings is fairly active and vocal. The one that I am concerned about is a little smaller, mellow, and a little less active. They are both eating and drinking very well. What I’m concerned about is that the smaller one may have a leaky vent or pasty butt. I say “or” because of the changes I’ve seen. When I brought them home, I noticed that the smaller one was wet around the vent and colored a brownish-gray color but it’s poop is on the drier side and seems to be pooping less than the other duckling. I gave it a warm bath, cleaned and massaged the vent area, toweled dried it and stuck it back under the heat lamp. After a while, the vent area looked normal but the poop is still dry and not a lot comes out. I’m confused as to what the issue could be and what to do about it. I’m keeping a close eye on the two of them and feel like a new mom all over again, constantly checking on them! I’m worried about it thriving. My oldest daughter has already become attached. Any help is appreciated! I’ve also attached pictures of the set up and a vent pic. I didn’t get a pic of the wet vent

ETA: I included another picture to try to show the size difference.

Also, what temp is it in the brooder, do they have a side that is cool where they can escape the heat lamp?