need advice on treating ducks that were attacked

[Duckworth]

I’m not suggesting that your ducks aren’t in jeopardy—just to offer some reasons for hope and encouragement and to let you know that the shock took awhile to wear off. I certainly did my share of worrying and trying to figure out whether there was anything else I should be doing. I really worried a lot about Nipper and thought she might be a goner, but she has a strong spirit. She was also closest to Duchess, the one we lost. It’s not a competition to see whose ducks have had it worst, but a community to walk arm in arm with through the tough times as well as the fun times.

Also, remember that antibiotics often kill off helpful gut bacteria along with the bad stuff, which can affect the appearance of the poop. My ducks pooped bright green watery stuff the whole time they were on antibiotics, despite that some were eating crumbles. That has been replaced by more and more typical poop now that they are done with the antibiotics.

 

[cymbaline]

I’m not suggesting that your ducks aren’t in jeopardy—just to offer some reasons for hope and encouragement and to let you know that the shock took awhile to wear off. I certainly did my share of worrying and trying to figure out whether there was anything else I should be doing. I really worried a lot about Nipper and thought she might be a goner, but she has a strong spirit. She was also closest to Duchess, the one we lost. It’s not a competition to see whose ducks have had it worst, but a community to walk arm in arm with through the tough times as well as the fun times.

Also, remember that antibiotics often kill of helpful gut bacteria along with the bad stuff, which can affect the appearance of the poop. My ducks pooped bright green watery stuff the whole time they were on antibiotics, despite that some were eating crumbles. That has been replaced by more and more typical poop now that they are done with the antibiotics.

Oh no, I didn't mean you were trying to "one-up" me or tell me I shouldn't be concerned. I just feel like I'm blowing it a bit out of proportion sometimes when I read about what you and others have been through. But they're hurt and not acting right and they're my babies and I just worry. It does make me feel much more hopeful knowing that yours pulled through!
And yes, the poos are all very green and watery.

 

[Miss Lydia]

You might want to talk with @casportpony about tube feeding

 

[happy duck]

Hope your babies pull through!! (Following)

 

[Duckworth]

Oh no, I didn't mean you were trying to "one-up" me or tell me I shouldn't be concerned. I just feel like I'm blowing it a bit out of proportion sometimes when I read about what you and others have been through. But they're hurt and not acting right and they're my babies and I just worry. It does make me feel much more hopeful knowing that yours pulled through!
And yes, the poos are all very green and watery.

I didn’t think you meant that at all. I totally understand being very concerned. It’s hard not to worry when things seem off. Are you able to get a phone consult with your avian vet? Mine has been checking in every few days.

 

[cymbaline]

I took off work early since the weather is so nice here and as I was tilling my garden I got sad bc normally all the ducks would be swarming the tilled dirt - they didn't even care that the tiller was still running, lol. Then I thought maybe they'd appreciate a field trip outside...might lift their spirits, spark some appetite? So they are having a nice time, I think, but they tired out fast, and still aren't eating or drinking much, just poking around. Boy they are itching to get in the creek though, and I just can't allow that yet. Tony did try to chase Ruby down to mate her, but of course she can totally outrun him right now.

 

[cymbaline]

I didn’t think you meant that at all. I totally understand being very concerned. It’s hard not to worry when things seem off. Are you able to get a phone consult with your avian vet? Mine has been checking in every few days.

I haven't tried - I would feel weird asking her since she didn't get to assess them initially...she's actually never seen any of these ducks, only Bullwinkle. And I don't know if the vet who did see them would know enough to give very wise advice. They're not in the same office, or even the same town, or I wouldn't think it was such a faux pas. I may call him tomorrow and see what his thoughts are, but I can't imagine he's going to tell me anything more helpful than the info and advice I've received on here. My only question now is at what point do I get concerned? They're definitely not back to their usual selves, but to me the energy level they do have doesn't jive with the nearly total disinterest in sustenance. Because there's no physical reason that they can't, do I just trust they'll eat when they need/want to? Unless they really get lethargic, of course, then I'll have to force the issue. I guess I just can't see stressing them like that if they don't need me to do so...*sigh*

 

[casportpony]

My only question now is at what point do I get concerned?

When they lose 5-10% of their body weight.

 

[happy duck]

How are they doing today?

 

[cymbaline]

How are they doing today?

More of the same, mostly. I'm going to weigh them again this evening and if anybody isn't gaining or at least holding steady, they're getting fed (this means you, Blanche...) I've actually seen Tony and Rose eat, but not her.

The tube feeding tutorial is a little overwhelming... I'd like to try just using a syringe for now. @Duckworth did you puree wet crumble mash, or veggies? Or just use baby food? Did you do it at the corner of the bill, like the meds? I think she's interested enough that if I got it just inside her mouth she'd gladly finish it off.