Losing Ducklings?!

[ShyanneW]

Hi all!

So my three ducks that made me a duck mama are feathered and out in the coop. Logically, I got 4 more ducklings to appease my “empty nest” syndrome.

The first batch of ducks I got, I got four, and lost one within an hour of having them home (it was weak when we picked them up from the store so I’m not sure it was anything I did or didn’t do)

This time around though, I had four seemingly healthy ducklings, they all made it through the first night just fine. They are definitely smaller/younger than my first batch of ducklings, but seemed strong. I cleaned their brooder out this morning (they had soaked everything) and they played in the living room with my boyfriend. I went to check on them about half an hour after I put them back in the brooder, and found that one had died.

I have absolutely no idea why? They’re getting liquid vitamin B in their water, and a small amount of nutritional yeast in their food (learned my lesson the first time around with niacin deficiency). They are on low dust, pine shavings. The brooder is right around 85°, they were all drinking, eating, chirping, etc.

Wondering if anyone has any idea as to what may have happened so I can prevent it in the future?

Attached is a picture of the four amigos in while I was cleaning their brooder

 

[MGG]

What breed are they? What is the temp in your brooder? What are you feeding them? Sorry for your loss.

 

[ShyanneW]

What breed are they? What is the temp in your brooder? What are you feeding them? Sorry for your loss.

They are Pekins (maybe white layers? They’re supposed to be Pekins though). The brooder temp is 85° and no one is panting or shivering, the remaining babies are running around/acting normal. They’re eating Dumor non-medicated chick starter (the bag says it’s also fine for ducklings and it’s all my TSC has when I had to re-up on feed). It’s okay, I’m just trying to prevent it in the future!

 

[MGG]

They are Pekins (maybe white layers? They’re supposed to be Pekins though). The brooder temp is 85° and no one is panting or shivering, the remaining babies are running around/acting normal. They’re eating Dumor non-medicated chick starter (the bag says it’s also fine for ducklings and it’s all my TSC has when I had to re-up on feed). It’s okay, I’m just trying to prevent it in the future!

It sounds fine then. I'm not sure.

 

[hayley3]

How did they soak everything?
I thought the first week they should not have enough water to get wet or they will get chilled.
Are they able to get away from the heat if needed?
Just trying to come up with ideas.
@Miss Lydia

 

[ShyanneW]

How did they soak everything?
I thought the first week they should not have enough water to get wet or they will get chilled.
Are they able to get away from the heat if needed?
Just trying to come up with ideas.
@Miss Lydia

I’m not entirely sure, there’s a chick waterer in there, my other ducklings did it too. They can get away from the heat, yes.
I appreciate it!

Day three with the babies and the remaining three are strong, so I’m hopeful..

 

[jaykayhuff]

You are the sixth person (including me) that has had unexplained deaths in ducklings that is feeding them Dumor Starter. Not saying that is the cause but I went ahead and switched because a lot of us were having similar symptoms from our ducklings before the deaths. I just didn't want to risk it since I had already lost four of nine.

 

[ShyanneW]

You are the sixth person (including me) that has had unexplained deaths in ducklings that is feeding them Dumor Starter. Not saying that is the cause but I went ahead and switched because a lot of us were having similar symptoms from our ducklings before the deaths. I just didn't want to risk it since I had already lost four of nine.

Interesting ... my first round of babies (I lost one of them, but as I explained, it was weak when we picked it up from the feed store) I was feeding Purina flock raiser so I didn’t think about the food being the reason. Did your babies show any other symptoms other than just dying (seemingly) with no reason?

 

[jaykayhuff]

Interesting ... my first round of babies (I lost one of them, but as I explained, it was weak when we picked it up from the feed store) I was feeding Purina flock raiser so I didn’t think about the food being the reason. Did your babies show any other symptoms other than just dying (seemingly) with no reason?

Last year I used a different brand and had no issues. This year I couldn't find it so I tried out the Dumor. I switched them to what my adult drakes are on which is Purina flock raiser. Haven't had any issues since then.

Mine were shipped so I'm sure shipping stress was partly to blame for some of the deaths. They arrived on Wednesday, one was dead on arrival. The next day I noticed one was very lethargic, the next day another one started showing different symptoms (tremors and instability), come Saturday the lethargic one and another that had NO symptoms died and the one with tremors was back to normal. Sunday Tremors were back and would still eat and drink but started having bad spasms and arching of back. Monday evening it gave up on trying to eat and drink and died later that night. That was my last death and it has been almost three weeks.

I suggest giving them additional niacin in feed, the Durvet B Complex, and I also add a little Nutri drench to water as well.

 

[ShyanneW]

Last year I used a different brand and had no issues. This year I couldn't find it so I tried out the Dumor. I switched them to what my adult drakes are on which is Purina flock raiser. Haven't had any issues since then.

Mine were shipped so I'm sure shipping stress was partly to blame for some of the deaths. They arrived on Wednesday, one was dead on arrival. The next day I noticed one was very lethargic, the next day another one started showing different symptoms (tremors and instability), come Saturday the lethargic one and another that had NO symptoms died and the one with tremors was back to normal. Sunday Tremors were back and would still eat and drink but started having bad spasms and arching of back. Monday evening it gave up on trying to eat and drink and died later that night. That was my last death and it has been almost three weeks.

I suggest giving them additional niacin in feed, the Durvet B Complex, and I also add a little Nutri drench to water as well.

Very interesting, I’ve done all the things you listed with the remaining ducklings. I’ll definitely keep an eye out with my little guys. My big ducks are on Dumor too and I didn’t have a problem with them, but I’ll start keeping a closer eye on them too.
Thank you!