how serious is shell-less eggs

[Dandy's mom]

2 in one day and 3 another day?? That’s not normal. Has she ever laid good eggs or is she just starting to lay? Are those her first eggs?

I’ve never gotten a shell-less egg from a duck, and only an occasional shell-less chicken egg, and those were always brand new layers and were never any issues. But if it’s lots of eggs, that could indicate a problem.

My Dandy lays an occasional egg that's got a soft spot in it, but never had one without a shell. (She's also never laid more than 1 egg a day) You want to make sure she doesn't get egg bound if the shells are soft or missing completely.

 

[KaleIAm]

I'm so sorry to hear about Huey. My ducks are my very loved pets as well, and I understand how hard it is to lose them.

Is it Dewie or Louie having reproductive issues? What did you end up deciding?

 

[Onimau619]

Dewey is the one having troubles.
I have yet to talk to the vet that would be doing the surgery but I'm gonna go ahead with it. Every time I called he was with another patient but the other vet who saw Dewey has called me back and been keeping taps. Her blood work came back yesterday and everything was fine other than her calcium level was high. (From me giving her extra calcium in her food.)
She also is laying more eggs in a day again. But they're not fully formed. The shell less before had the membrane and the white and yellow yolk. Now when she lays another egg it's just the white part of the egg. As Dandy's mom was talking about egg bound, I'm worried about the missing parts. When Dewey poops she will sometimes have the egg white mixed with it.
That's one reason why I've decided to go ahead with the surgery. It seems like she is slowly getting worse. My fear is if I work on getting her to stop laying, I may not be able too in time. Or she'll become egg bound and need surgery regardless.

 

[KaleIAm]

Aww, poor Dewey. I'm sorry she's still having problems. I'd be worried, too.

I have yet to spay any of my ducks, though I've had a lot of reproductive trouble (including shell-less eggs, excessive laying, egg binding and internal laying) and considered it several times. Keep us updated on how Dewey does. I'll be thinking about you guys.

 

[Onimau619]

Thank you. And I will.

 

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

Dewey is the one having troubles.
I have yet to talk to the vet that would be doing the surgery but I'm gonna go ahead with it. Every time I called he was with another patient but the other vet who saw Dewey has called me back and been keeping taps. Her blood work came back yesterday and everything was fine other than her calcium level was high. (From me giving her extra calcium in her food.)
She also is laying more eggs in a day again. But they're not fully formed. The shell less before had the membrane and the white and yellow yolk. Now when she lays another egg it's just the white part of the egg. As Dandy's mom was talking about egg bound, I'm worried about the missing parts. When Dewey poops she will sometimes have the egg white mixed with it.
That's one reason why I've decided to go ahead with the surgery. It seems like she is slowly getting worse. My fear is if I work on getting her to stop laying, I may not be able too in time. Or she'll become egg bound and need surgery regardless.

A little bit late to this thread, but I just wanted to add my support! I also have a duck with reproductive issues, although spaying her is not currently an option as the veterinarian most experienced with ducks around here told me that she could “try”, but that the chances of Daphne surviving were not good
So, I treat her when she’s straining or lethargic (calcium gluconate and warm baths), and let her be when she’s otherwise acting normally. A few more weeks, and she’ll shut egg production down for the season, so crossing fingers here.

Anyways, I very much look forward to reading your updates and wish both you and Dewey the best!

 

[Onimau619]

Thank you everyone. Just got out with Dewey and heading home. She did fine with the surgery now the hardest part is keeping an eye on her and making sure she doesn't pull out any of her stitches. In two weeks she goes back to have them removed. Until then I was told to keep her in doors.

If I understood the vet, Dewey had one egg stuck inside her and it was causing irritation. I don't think there was any infection. So I'm thankful it wasn't serious yet.
--
I had to stop typing four times now to stop her from messing with her tummy. Hope she sleep through the night without pulling those out.
Would anyone have any suggestions? The vet said they didn't have any cones her size or they would have put one on her.

 

[Miss Lydia]

If she keeps messing with them maybe try making a cone out of a plastic container we did it for one of our dachshunds when he was neutered. You could also check pet stores they probably carry different sizes. So happy to hear she is has had her surgery and is doing well.

 

[quackiemama]

Oh wow, hope she made it through the night without pulling out her stitches. Poor girl.

 

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

Thank you everyone. Just got out with Dewey and heading home. She did fine with the surgery now the hardest part is keeping an eye on her and making sure she doesn't pull out any of her stitches. In two weeks she goes back to have them removed. Until then I was told to keep her in doors.

If I understood the vet, Dewey had one egg stuck inside her and it was causing irritation. I don't think there was any infection. So I'm thankful it wasn't serious yet.
--
I had to stop typing four times now to stop her from messing with her tummy. Hope she sleep through the night without pulling those out.
Would anyone have any suggestions? The vet said they didn't have any cones her size or they would have put one on her.

I’m so happy that she made it through surgery ok! Good girl, Dewey!