How to care for a sick duck?

[mummasducks]

So I have 2 ducks both campbels, one white one khaki. Both boys.
One of my ducks has been unwell now for about a week and have taken him to a vet and sort advice from a farm (poultry) vet and small farm owners.
It seems he has a gut infection from what I'm not totally sure but am being vigilant from mow on.
Ive got both ducks indoors for observation and warmth as it's cold at the moment, thinking that it's us all fine when well buy one is very weak.
I've been given antibiotics which he's had 2 doses of already and have given activated charcoal, a little bit of niacin and have just boiled up loads of different greens and used the water for a little bit of drinking water as thought the nutrition in tye boiled water may help. Is there anything else I can do to help him get some energy back and on the mend? He's very lethargic and not eating at all!!
Have been so worried!
Thanks in advance

 

[Ren2014]

Sorry to hear you have a sick one. Try giving some electrolytes in the water. The antibiotics need time to work. Stay in touch with your Vet. They should know best. Good luck.

 

[Amiga]

I hope everyone is doing better. You may need to consider syringe or tube feeding. Do check with the vet. Best way to know is to weigh the duck daily, find out from the vet when that point comes when the duck needs to be fed.

Some antibiotics are rough on the guts, and with a digestive infection, appetite may be really lacking. Try tempting him with some favorite treats. Some folks use probiotics. I am no expert on whether and how to use them during a round of antibiotics . . . but worth a thought.

Hugs!
@mummasducks

 

[mummasducks]

Hi Amiga,
Was feeling a little positive yesterday as I had cooked up one green beans and he ate 1 or 2, however when I returned home yesterday evening he wasn't able to stand or walk and just seems to drag himself around

I just don't know if this is part of the infection or does it mean he is worse! It's only day 3 on antibiotics and finding hard to get it down his throat, am no expert! Will he recover? When will he start to feel better? When would you put him to sleep if he's suffering? Shall I put him in the bath? I feel so lost and helpless. He seems a little brighter than he did on Thursday but with not being able to stand or walk I just don't know if this means he is worse.
Thank you so much for your reply, I feel very on my own with all this at the moment x

 

[weedturtle]

Hi I dealt with a similar problem with my duck the past few days and maybe you would want to read through the thread I posted and see if you can get anything out of it?? Hope your duck feels better soon I know the feeling of seeing them have to try and crawl and not be able to walk

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1152607/help-duck-acting-like-he-cant-stand-or-walk

 

[Amiga]

Hi Amiga,
Was feeling a little positive yesterday as I had cooked up one green beans and he ate 1 or 2, however when I returned home yesterday evening he wasn't able to stand or walk and just seems to drag himself around

I just don't know if this is part of the infection or does it mean he is worse! It's only day 3 on antibiotics and finding hard to get it down his throat, am no expert! Will he recover? When will he start to feel better? When would you put him to sleep if he's suffering? Shall I put him in the bath? I feel so lost and helpless. He seems a little brighter than he did on Thursday but with not being able to stand or walk I just don't know if this means he is worse.
Thank you so much for your reply, I feel very on my own with all this at the moment x

I would contact the vet a.s.a.p. - ask if it is possible that the infection is resistant to the antibiotic given, see if there is a different one, or if the vet has a better idea. I do not mean that sarcastically - I am not a vet, and always can learn from others.

 

[Ren2014]

I would contact the vet a.s.a.p. - ask if it is possible that the infection is resistant to the antibiotic given, see if there is a different one, or if the vet has a better idea. I do not mean that sarcastically - I am not a vet, and always can learn from others.

X2

Don't be afraid to call the Vet. Even if it is after hours. You paid for the visit and after visit concerns are expected. Good luck, I hope he gets better real soon.