My duck smells musky ... like a mink?

[wits end gardens]

OK, so I need some help on this one.

I lost a number of my babies to a &^%@! mink a few days ago. I have the survivors inside for care and calming. I was tending to one of them this afternoon and she had a distinct musky smell, like a mink or weasel.

She's been a bit unsettled since the attack (who can blame her?).

Here's the question: does she need a bath? do ducks get musky smelling if under stress, or in need of a bath? or did the mink leave some of its scent on her (which would add to her being unsettled).

I am a newer duck parent and haven't run into this before.

Thanks for the help!

 

[johntfs]

OK, so I need some help on this one.

I lost a number of my babies to a &^%@! mink a few days ago. I have the survivors inside for care and calming. I was tending to one of them this afternoon and she had a distinct musky smell, like a mink or weasel.

She's been a bit unsettled since the attack (who can blame her?).

Here's the question: does she need a bath? do ducks get musky smelling if under stress, or in need of a bath? or did the mink leave some of its scent on her (which would add to her being unsettled).

I am a newer duck parent and haven't run into this before.

Thanks for the help!

http://www.nationaltrappers.com/mink.html

Note this part:

Musk is sometimes released when the mink is excited or stressed.

Figure the mink got kill-happy and musked her. She could probably use a bath.

 

[Jpat]

The only ducks ive ever had that stunk was a sick one, and two hens i adopted that were in with 6 drakes and their feathers were beat up and they couldnt bath

The mink couldve made a stink, they doo stink! Does the duck have wounds? Gangrene and infection has a distrinctive smell that doctors are trained to notice

Anyway, apple cider vinagar is a great cleanser for ducks, you cant use soap of any kind because their feathers have natural and important oils, Just add half a cup of ACV to a kiddie pool or bath yub and hopefully they will bath well

@Miss Lydia how much acv would you use?

Sorry for the long post, and sorry for your loss!

 

[chickens really]

Well yes. Just let her swim and the smell will dissipate..

 

[Miss Lydia]

I don't put acv, just nice warm water. {if kept inside} hopefully once she has had a good bath the smell will start to leave. Poor little thing having that dreadful smell on her and thinking that mink is close by. Very sorry for your loss.

 

[wits end gardens]

Thank you everyone! A bath is in the works today so she can get a good rinse -- and a bit of exercise too.

I think we're OK with infection (thank goodness!). Her wounds from the attack look more surface than puncture. I have some antibiotics and metacam from the vet also.

She has started eating a bit more too! Every day she makes a little more progress so I am very hopeful that she will make it.

 

[quackiemama]

Oh goodness well thankfully she has you to tend to her. I am sorry for your other losses. Hopefully she will continue to heal up!