I have two fully grown white Pekin ducks that I raised from ducklings. My mom was getting sick of them so we took them to a protected pond where there were many other ducks. They seemed fine at first but after seeing the other ducks bite them and attack them over and over I decided I didn't want to keep them there. My mom made me leave but a couple hours later, with her permission, I went back and got them. In the car on the way back home one of my ducks started flapping his wings, twisting his neck, and shaking his head back and forth. It stopped after a minute or so but still scared the life out of me. They have been home since last night and this morning I went out to check on them and he was doing it again. I realized it might be a seizure. Ever since then he has been very standoffish (they are both normally very friendly) and holds his leg up like it hurts. I am very upset I allowed this to happen to him and it is causing me so much anxiety right now. What I would like to know is, is what he is doing definitely a seizure? What could have caused it? And what can I do to help him? Before anyone suggests taking him to a vet, I don't have the money for one right now and my mom refuses to pay. We have 21 other animals (we have a horse barn with goats, horses, dogs, cats, etc.) that just had seasonal shots and the vet bill was not at all cheap. Taking him to the vet would be pretty much impossible, at least right now. Please help me figure out whats going on with my duckie, and what to do! Thanks!
What ever the cause... Its good that you went back and got them. Hand raised domestic ducks never do well when dumped at a pond no matter how well protected it is. If a predator doesnt get them- they can starve to death as they are used to getting fed every day not looking for enough food to keep them alive themselves. It may just be from the stress from dumping them- or an injury from the other ducks attacking them. Keep him in a small confined area with fresh food and water is all you can really do for him right now. If its caused by an injury- he may improve over time. But you might never know exactly what the real cause is without a vet. If you cant keep them this time... advertise them free on craigslist or something...dumping them is like a death sentence.
Hi give him liquid vitamin e capsul 10000 units 2 xs a day and 1 eye dropper full of vitamin b complex 2xs a day for 7 days and then 1x a day for another 7 days and he will be fine
I am not sure if its a actual seizure but when a duck is being attacked they flap, and twist ther necks like all crazy like it looks really werid, but its a submissive thing, trying to tell the other duck they don't want to fight. Your duck might be doing it just to show they don't want any fights even if its just you walking in.
Thank you all so much. I knew the pond wasn't very safe for them but my mom insisted we take them there and that they would be fine. He had another one about an hour ago. I know he isn't doing it on purpose because he is visibly distraught afterward and is barely eating. We are keeping him inside the barn in a pen as of now with plenty of food, water, and clean bedding. I will try the vitamins with him and see if that helps. I'm just so worried that this will kill him and if it does I'm worried about the effect it will have on his buddy, the other duck he was raised with. They cry when they are separated. Right now I'm just trying to keep him as comfortable as possible until I can get him vet attention. I really appreciate the replies thank you all so much!
I am wondering if there is something stuck in his throat. It really feels to me like he's trying to get rid of something. Who knows what he could have swallowed at the pond? See if you can look into his mouth and feel his throat - a sharp object might occasionally poke him from inside, causing him to try to throw it off. In any case, vitamins, electrolytes, clean water and environment, TLC, all can help. Do see if you can get someone - a rehabilitator, a veterinarian, a rescue person - to look closely at the duck.
Why do people raise defenseless things then toss them out when they are no longer cute and funny? Please do NOT bring any more animals home to your house......you nor your mother (who should be ashamed of herself) should be caring for any more animals!
I think you are doing all the right things. I had a duck do the same thing and she seems to be over it now. I'd be inclined to think they got something stuck in their throat -- mine seemed like it was eating a slug or something and it got stuck and the duckling panicked. Poor thing! Most of the people that posted have given you great advice about other things you can do for the duck. Raising animals is a learning experience -- don't worry about it. Everyone makes mistakes raising animals and then they learn and can do better next time. I am so glad that you were able to get the ducks back, but sometimes things just work out to where you are in something over your head. I bet you would have some luck advertising the ducks on craigslist or at a feed store bulletin board if your mom still felt like they were too much for your situation. They can sure be loud and messy It sounds like you are taking good care of them since they came back to you when they were loose in the pond -- I doubt mine would figure out that I would rescue them. Hope your duck feels better soon!
