Khaki Campbell Ducks Dying

[rgcamire]

First, I have raised 100 chickens and never had problems like I have had with my ducks. I realize they are not necessarily the same and am searching for help.

We bought 25 Khaki Campbell duckling about 4.5 months ago. I think I bought from a horrible hatchery because one arrived dead, one had a crooked neck, one ended up blind and we have since lost 3 other ducks.

The three other ducks started with a limp, then could not walk and refused to eat and drink and eventually died a couple of days later. This was over the course of the last few months. They were not ducklings. Now we have a fourth duck limping and I am afraid the same thing is going to happen.

Is this bubmble foot? I have been able to find small abrasions on the leg and sometimes bottom the foot of most of the ducks that have died. I treated the wounds but it seems not to help. Is this something that comes from the breeder? Am I looking at a vitamin/mineral deficiency? They are free range and forage our land, have access to a pool of water that is changed daily and are supplemented with organic feed. I don't want to lose any more ducks and my research had not lead me to any conclusion I feel confident with.

Please help. Thanks!

 

[Virus]

It is true at least in my case that ducks are much harder to take care of than chickens. Check the duck that is limping to see if they have any abrasion. I also try niacin supplements to see if that helps, ducks need more niacin than chickens and if they lack it they get leg problems and sometimes end up not being able to walk at all. It is possible that the hatchery was bad but I think the transporter may also be at fault. If its possible I would take them to the vet to see if a virus or something is spreading around. I hope you figure out whats wrong and they get better soon.