IS SOMETHING WRONG? PEKIN DUCKS. PLEASE HELP ME!

[Finntheduck]

My two pekin ducks just recently (yesterday) started doing a weird neck twitch into their chest. I love these ducks, I am so worried. Please watch the video.

www.tinyurl.com/kl4nog3

 

[HayDiddlesHens]

How old are your ducks? If they are young and just growing into sexual maturity they might be posturing? I have mature ducks that do a neck bob into their chests everyday to show they are ready to mate. Maybe this is the first time they are showing this behavior? Is it a head nod, up and down over and over for about 30 seconds at a time? Then they will stop and continue dabbling? If so, it's normal and just a happy little duck. I hope your duck is well.

 

[Vyctoria]

Mine do head bob when excited, especially around the pool. It's nothing quite like this though.

How have they been acting aside from this in terms of eating/drinking, pooping, and general behavior? Have they been doing it on and off, or is it all day? Do you notice it more during specific times?

My first thought was that maybe some food could have gotten stuck. Mine do something sort of similar when they try to eat dry food too fast. The problem has gone away since soaking their food. I don't know if this is anything related as it looks a bit different and it is on-going though. I hope somebody else has some ideas.

 

[Finntheduck]

Thanks for responses. They are 7months old now, and have not started laying yet. They are also refusing to eat, even treats like corn (which in the past they would have gone CRAZY for).

 

[Miss Lydia]

I can't get the video to work @Finntheduck .

 

[Finntheduck]

Maybe try this link?
https://goo.gl/photos/WBrUK1C8coc1D8JTA

 

[Miss Lydia]

Maybe try this link?
https://goo.gl/photos/WBrUK1C8coc1D8JTA

That doesn't look like normal head bobbing my ducks aren't Pekin though, when mine do the come hither for mating they are also vocal about it along with the head bobbing.

I don't know but maybe someone who has Pekins would know. @Ren2014

@flossyfelix

@Debs Flock

They look quite chubby are the jumbos?

 

[Finntheduck]

They are not jumbo. I found a post similar to the issues I am having.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/444164/sick-weak-duck-what-is-wrong-what-treatment

This is the closest to the issue I am having. Both ducks are very sluggish and seem to be hurting in their crop. They bob their head into their crop non stop, and try and drink water. When they do try and eat food, they do a series of headbobs, like it hurt them.

Should I try the epsom salts in the water? I need a plan. I am so upset and worried.

I called up the vet, and she said it could be worms. Even with my sisters discount (she works at a partnered vet), they want $350. I just can't afford that.

 

[Vyctoria]

I'm not sure if epsom salts would do much for something internal, as it is usually used for wound care. They certainly don't want to drink it because it works like a laxative. You could try just a warm bath? That seems to help cheer up a lot of sick ducks.

I'm not too familiar with worms, so hopefully someone has more info. Sounds like an impaction to me though. I'll start researching and see if I can come up with anything helpful.

Do they have access to grit? What do you normally feed?

 

[Finntheduck]

Thanks for replying.

UPDATE: I have put a bunch of vinegar in a clear plastic tub with water. I heard that will help. I have to do something.

ALSO, they are now making loud screeching quacks.

I normally feed them cracked corn with veges.