Is this normal behavior?

[PoultryGirly]

Hi. I have 3 ducks and this evening I noticed them barely shaking their heads once in a while and they opened their mouth once. I don't know if they have done this before. I'm really worried about them. They are acting completely normal, though.

 

[PoultryGirly]

This was just after meal and drinking time...

 

[PoultryGirly]

Anyone?

 

[Amiga]

Could be they were working some food morsels down their throats.

Something really wild to see is when my runners gobble down a bunch of dry pellets, then try to work it down the throat before having a drink. They wiggle their necks, open and close their bills. When I see them do this, I tell them to take a drink.

 

[PoultryGirly]

Yes, they probably are trying yo get food down their throats. I'll see in the morning, before I feed them, if they are still doing this; hopefully they arent. Could it be gape worm? What are the signs?

 

[Amiga]

They have plenty of water 24/7, right?

Let's see if I can find that reference in Storey's Guide.

To paraphrase some of this section:

Gapeworm symptoms include vigorous head-shaking and coughing. A relatively clean environment reduces the risk. It is not recommended to deworm ducks unless you know they have worms, as it may reduce their natural immunity. A fecal sample test is the best way to know for sure.

 

[PoultryGirly]

Yes, they usually do, unless they get really thirst.

 

[PoultryGirly]

So, this morning and tonight, I checked on them before they ate and they weren't doing it, so I think they were just working food down their throat, like you said, Amiga. Thanks!

 

[Amiga]

Shew. Relief!

 

[PoultryGirly]

Yeah!!!!