I hope it wasn't because of me

[FuzzySlippaz]

Good afternoon quackers! My first post here and unfortunately it comes with sadness. My girls are about 10mo old. Yesterday I noticed one of my girls(runners) with labored open mouth breathing. She was always the runt of the sisters but still healthy. Checked her out, airway was clear but raspy sound. Immediately called my vet but their clinic was closed. Went down to tractor supply and picked up some vitamins and VetRX(like a Vic's I suppose). I added these nutrients/supplements to a nice tub of warm water. They all drank the mixture. She hung out with her sisters all day but with no change. We remove their straw every morning but for good measure I cleaned the hut with vinegar then peroxide and of course Fresh straw. It snowed all day but the other ladies didn't mind and she stayed in the hut. Didn't really eat even her favorite tomatoes. Her condition didn't improve and this morning I found her dead. Here are some pics of the yard and their coop. They're eating crushed pellets (chicken/duck)with occasional tomatoes and Flock party(nuts/berries). Also eating more frequently since the temp is dropping. I'm in New England and I'm wondering if I need a heater out there. Is it something I did? The other girls are healthy and acting like their normal playful selves. However I'm getting Nervous going forward if something I'm doing is wrong.

 

[chickens really]

What do you feed?...Sounds like a Deficancy in diet...

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome, and so sorry for your loss.
Your veterinarian could do a necropsy, the only way to get the answers you are looking for.
We can ask/ advise about food, housing, and generally observed issues, which may be a bi help moving forward. This isn't the same thing as having that post mortem exam done.
Mary

 

[FuzzySlippaz]

I'm feeding dumor poultry feed. 15% grower/finisher/egg production. They'll get about 3/4 cups in the morning and night of that. Forage in the mud and get snacks like I said. Crushed shells, vegetable clippings, nuts, berries. There's only 2 girls now. Thank you for your condolences, I'm probably over thinking but I'm worried more than ever. Do you think there warm enough in there?

 

[chickens really]

Chicken feed is not adequate for Ducks....

 

[chickens really]

Extra vitamins and minerals are needed ...Are they laying eggs?

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us So sorry for your loss

 

[FuzzySlippaz]

It's for ducks

 

[FuzzySlippaz]

Welcome, and so sorry for your loss.
Your veterinarian could do a necropsy, the only way to get the answers you are looking for.
We can ask/ advise about food, housing, and generally observed issues, which may be a bi help moving forward. This isn't the same thing as having that post mortem exam done.
Mary

Do I add more straw? Are the two going to be ok?

 

[casportpony]

@FuzzySlippaz , welcome to BYC and so sorry for your loss. I would do like @Folly's place place suggested and talk to your vet about having a necropsy done. Ask you vet for the name of the lab in your state that does poultry necropsies because state labs will be much less expensive than a private practice vet.

The lab doesn't have to be within driving distance because it is possible to FedEx them. If you decide to go this route call the lab and ask for their FedEx number and that will save a bunch on shipping.

Birds to be necropsied should be kept refrigerated, not frozen.

Again, sorry for your loss.