Just because they don't like you, doesn't mean they don't appreciate you.

[Jlw0903]

If anyone saw one of my older posts, Kevin my female Cayuga had an infected abscess thing removed from her underside that I incorrectly thought was a prolapsed vent.

Well she's still inside as per vet instruction she should be kept separated while she heals until her stitches can be removed after two weeks (about 8-9 more days to go).
She stated by living in my shower and then upgraded to a makeshift pen in the basement.
I bought a cheap baby monitor on Amazon for $20 that came yesterday so now I have KevinCam. The camera confirmed my suspicions that she really hasn't been eating much at all. However when I give her treats she gobbles them up.

I was working from home today so I was able to watch the KevinCam almost all day. Some drinking water but mostly sitting, not even sleeping from what I could tell.

The second I go in the basement she hisses at me and lets me know she's pissed. She then proceeds to gobble down all the food and treats I had given to her and walked away while on break from work.

It's very clear that if I'm with her she eats and preens and moved around and drinks twice as much water than when I'm not there/she's by herself.
She even puts her head in her wing and sleeps.

So even though she doesn't like being touched by me or when I do anything including talk to her and pretty much shows a general dislike for me. She definitely is comforted by my being there and feels safe enough to eat and move around and sleep.
I don't love that I'm currently sleeping on the floor in the basement cuz she needs to rest and eat but hey what are you gonna do?

Just thought I would remind everyone that although they don't typically show affection for their people they do have some sort of positive feelings for us.

Also today was the first time Kevin ate her regular food and not just treats! Yay! I think that's a good sign of recovery! Maybe Meloxicam made her feel funny since her last does of that was yesterday night?

 

[Quatie]

Sounds a bit similar to my black runner. She got a leg injury and hissed and bit at us. As we cared for her, she went from constant suspicion to cackling happy noises at us. I do miss having her inside cackling at comical moments. But she still gets happy to see us now.

That is good to hear Kevin is eating her food! Hopefully she will keep getting better.

 

[ruthhope]

So kind to sleep on the floor in the basement with her! [I have been known to sleep on the couch in my Florida room for sick ducklings and recently a new puppy that was afraid to be alone!]
I think lone ducks get depressed and hence do not eat and drink. You were the company that she so needed while she is in isolation. I'm sure she feels rotten on antibiotics. You might offer her some bioactive plain [not sweetened] yoghurt or keffir. It does wodners for the human gut impacted by antibiotics; it might help and wont harm her.

 

[fatty and friends]

can i ask what camera you use? i've been looking for one to buy for my ducks

 

[KaleIAm]

So kind to sleep on the floor in the basement with her! [I have been known to sleep on the couch in my Florida room for sick ducklings and recently a new puppy that was afraid to be alone!]
I think lone ducks get depressed and hence do not eat and drink. You were the company that she so needed while she is in isolation. I'm sure she feels rotten on antibiotics. You might offer her some bioactive plain [not sweetened] yoghurt or keffir. It does wodners for the human gut impacted by antibiotics; it might help and wont harm her.

Giving dairy is a little bit controversial with birds. I know a lot of people do it. Personally I would not as birds are not mammals and do not have the ability do digest milk as they never nursed from their mothers and developed the enzyme. If it gives your duck a mild/moderate tummy ache they can't tell you. And they probably won't make the connection and will eat it again next time.

My avian vet has recommended that I give my ducks probiotics from time to time, and has been very specific to buy ones made specifically birds that have not even been grown in dairy. There are a few different options on Amazon that are reasonably priced, just search for, "avian probiotics." They come in a powder. I sprinkle it on diced tomatoes and give them to my ducks, they think it is a delicious treat.

 

[Jlw0903]

So kind to sleep on the floor in the basement with her! [I have been known to sleep on the couch in my Florida room for sick ducklings and recently a new puppy that was afraid to be alone!]
I think lone ducks get depressed and hence do not eat and drink. You were the company that she so needed while she is in isolation. I'm sure she feels rotten on antibiotics. You might offer her some bioactive plain [not sweetened] yoghurt or keffir. It does wodners for the human gut impacted by antibiotics; it might help and wont harm her.

I actually have a probiotic I add to her water along with a nutridrench and electrolytes.

 

[Jlw0903]

can i ask what camera you use? i've been looking for one to buy for my ducks

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XW4GRD2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
This is the one I got. I can check on her from work or anywhere I am. It's a little funny to set up and I don't know how far from your router you can get but it's pretty cool cuz the camera can swivel side to side and up and down if you want so you can get a good view. And its only like $20.

 

[kcan2]

Priceless!
Her true feelings cannot be masked by feigned indifference!
I too have noticed this behavior somewhat with my chickens, I suppose they like to keep things under the radar.