Khaki Hen question

[Invision]

I have four ducks at the moment and 3 are laying eggs daily, but one is not. I have noticed that one of the ducks lower area is hanging way lower than the rest of them. I am hoping this is not a stuck egg problem, but i'm pretty sure it's not just because I can 3 eggs every day. I think one of my hens thinks shes a male but I'm positive she's not. Could the low belly be a cause for concern or just see how she does? I mean it's been this way for over a month and I've never not go 3 eggs...

 

[jducour]

Have you felt their pelvis? That is a good way to tell who is laying. You will be able to tell the difference in who is laying and who isn't, it can be a few inches wider when they are laying eggs. Metzer has a good article on it. As far as a low belly, it can be a sign of obesity. Have you checked her keel? Is she just overweight? Pictures would help a lot.

 

[Invision]

I'm starting to lean towards a fat duck because I had a quail that had a stuck egg and she died within 3 days (yes I tried to help her with mineral oil and Vaseline) and this hen has been this way for over a couple of months. sill eats drinks and poops so, she must just be a fat duck.

 

[jducour]

I'm starting to lean towards a fat duck because I had a quail that had a stuck egg and she died within 3 days (yes I tried to help her with mineral oil and Vaseline) and this hen has been this way for over a couple of months. sill eats drinks and poops so, she must just be a fat duck.

Do you know how to check the keel? It's the breast tissue of the duck. It is the easiest way to check if she is overweight.

 

[Invision]

i'll check and get some pictures after work.

 

[Invision]

So turns out she just has a ton of eggs in her, yesterday when I couldn't tell which one it was... So either that or she just had a lot to eat that day... There is one hen (assuming its her) that just sits by the feeder and water all day... need to put a automatic feeder in for them I guess...

 

[Invision]

Checked the hen again and I think she's on her last leg, I couldn't feel anything inside her so it is probably Botulism... I'll give her till the weekend and think I'll have to end her suffering. I don't take my livestock to the vet so sorry if anyone doesn't approve. The other 3 hens are fine though and the drake, well he's the drake and thinks he tuff stuff...