MORE Ducklings dying. Please help!

[wheezie]

UPDATE... As of yesterday all ducklings were fine. Running, chasing bugs, playing in pond. Went out this morning and two were down. One I was able to revive easily. Put it in the pond and it started swimming then ran around. This seems to have worked for others, too.
The other was lying on its side with neck and legs outstretched. Basic muscle weakness in legs and neck. It did not respond as well as the first but did swim a bit. It was cold so I have been warming it. It does not respond to much. Tried the water trick with a bit warmer water and it did better for a while. Never got on its feet like the other one. Now is fading quickly.
The babies are starting their tail feathers.

ORIGINAL POST: 3 week old ducklings. Have lost 2 in the last week. They were find in the morning then when checked midday they were dead. It has been very hot so thought they might have gotten overheated, but it was cool this morning one was not walking. After I held it it seemed ok. This also happened with the 2 that died several days before they died. They sat and then struggled to walk, after I held them to look at them they stood up and walked and seemed fine until they died.

They have plenty of shade, water, clean food. Mom is with them and is very protective. The ducklings are Khaki Campbells, Buff and Cayugas. Mom hatched them all.
Any suggestions?

 

[Miss Lydia]

UPDATE... As of yesterday all ducklings were fine. Running, chasing bugs, playing in pond. Went out this morning and two were down. One I was able to revive easily. Put it in the pond and it started swimming then ran around. This seems to have worked for others, too.
The other was lying on its side with neck and legs outstretched. Basic muscle weakness in legs and neck. It did not respond as well as the first but did swim a bit. It was cold so I have been warming it. It does not respond to much. Tried the water trick with a bit warmer water and it did better for a while. Never got on its feet like the other one. Now is fading quickly.
The babies are starting their tail feathers.

ORIGINAL POST: 3 week old ducklings. Have lost 2 in the last week. They were find in the morning then when checked midday they were dead. It has been very hot so thought they might have gotten overheated, but it was cool this morning one was not walking. After I held it it seemed ok. This also happened with the 2 that died several days before they died. They sat and then struggled to walk, after I held them to look at them they stood up and walked and seemed fine until they died.

They have plenty of shade, water, clean food. Mom is with them and is very protective. The ducklings are Khaki Campbells, Buff and Cayugas. Mom hatched them all.
Any suggestions?

Could there be something in the pond? a plant or the water itself?

 

[wheezie]

Sorry should have been more specific. The 'Pond' is a plastic pool. It gets changed frequently.
Lost the little one this morning. The first one I worked on this morning was doing well but then started showing weakness for a bit and now is running with its siblings again.
Thinking about treating for Coccidia but it doesn't fit the typical symptoms. I am at a loss though so would like to try something!
Have read others used Corid but manufacture says its only labeled for bovine and they have no dosing info for ducks. Any input? What is the dose for ducklings?
The Merk site has this info for chickens:

Drugs for Treatment of Coccidiosis in Chickens a


Feed or Water

Active Ingredient: Treatment, Duration

Withdrawal Time (days)
Amprolium

Water

0.012–0.024%, 3–5 days; 0.006%, 1–2 wk

0
Anticoccidials are given in the feed to prevent disease and the economic loss often associated with subacute infection. Prophylactic use is preferred because most of the damage occurs before signs become apparent, and because drugs cannot completely stop an outbreak. Therapeutic treatments are usually given by water because of the logistical restraints of feedadministration. Antibiotics and increased levels of vitamins A and K are sometimes used in the ration to improve rate of recovery and prevent secondary infections.
Continuous use of anticoccidial drugs promotes the emergence of drug-resistant strains of coccidia.
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/200800.htm

THANKS SO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!

 

[jdywntr]

Coccidia is very rarely a problem for ducks. I, personally, wouldn't medicate them.

You don't say where you are but I would take the pool away for the time being. Ducklings have a tendancy to get themselves into trouble. Even if there is an easy way for them to get out of the pool, they may not find it and can chill very easily. I'm in N Alabama and even though days get into the 90's now, overnight temps dip to the low 60's. If they are getting in the pool early in the day, they may be chilling themselves.

Other than taking away the pool. Make sure there is adequate feeder and waterer space so that you know all are eating/drinking well.

Sorry for your losses. It is always hard to lose littles.

 

[wheezie]

Thanks for your info. I am in the Pacific Northwest. The deaths have happened at all times of day-both cool days and hot days. Initially thought it was the heat but as I lost more, it seems that the muscle weakness hits first then they can't move. Some have revived temporarily.
I am down to 2 that appear healthy for now. No signs of weakness for 4 days (since the last one died). The mom is not affected at all. I have changed foods and added B vitamins to their water, cleaned food and water dishes and put out some DE in desperation. I have them separated from rest of flock. My earlier hatch has reached maturity without problem-they were raised in the same location. Hoping all goes well now but I hesitate to go forward with breeding, eggs or meat from these (if they survive).
Thanks to all who have tried to help us!