Need help - 2 day old star-gazing duckling

[jmorgan111]

hey everyone! Last night I took on a duckling that, from what I’ve read/researched, is star-gazing. It is constantly looking up at the ceiling, will fall over on it’s back if not supported and can’t get back up. A friend of a friend had them and a few died within 24 hours leaving just 1. They didn’t know what to do so my friend, knowing I tend to take on “special” animals reached out to me about this little one. I picked it up last night and am told it’s a blue Swedish/Cayuga mix. So far I can get it to eat an un-medicated flock raiser crumble slurry/broth and drink water with vitamins/electrolytes in it. Also started it on terramycin for some eye issues at the advise of the local feed store. I have it set up in my bathtub, in a basket with a stuffed animal to snuggle and a heat lamp (not ideal but it’s what I have on hand with little notice). I started treatment last night and eyes already seem a lot clearer and little one actually seems to be getting better/stronger but I still have to hand feed and water it. It has quite the spunky attitude. Is there anything else I can do to help this little one? I’ve never rehabilitate a duckling before. Taken on a lot of other animals but have stayed away from taking on birds since they seem (to me) to be so finicky and difficult to pull through. Any advise/guidance is appreciated!!

**I do have adult chickens and ducks, but they’ve always been healthy so no rehabbing experience to draw from this time.

 

[Scorpy89]

I found a thread from two years ago, don't know if'll help.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/star-gazing-in-ducklings-genetic-or-deficiency.1142331/

 

[Scorpy89]

Here's another article on another site. you could make a 'tea' with the listed herbs.

https://www.fresheggsdaily.com/2014/04/preventing-and-treating-wry-neck-in.html

 

[jmorgan111]

Here's another article on another site. you could make a 'tea' with the listed herbs.

https://www.fresheggsdaily.com/2014/04/preventing-and-treating-wry-neck-in.html

Thank you!! I’ll definitely look into those options. I was a little nervous about it getting enough food but we finally have a little normal looking poop when I went to check on it!!! I’ll try to attach pictures to show what this little peanut is doing. If I move my hand/finger away it launches itself backwards. This is what is in the supplement the feed store gave me too.

 

[Scorpy89]

I'm gonna see if I can get someone's attention. They know WAY more than I do.

@Eggcessive you know than I do on this subject.

 

[Eggcessive]

Some stargazing is from a hereditary issue, or an incubation problem, but a thiamine (vitamin B1) or vitamin E deficiency can be a cause. I am not familiar with ducks, though. I would try some vitamins including B1, E, and give some chopped egg for a bit of selenium which helps with uptake of E. Make sure that the duckling has enough to eat and drink, since it may not be able to get enough.

 

[jmorgan111]

Thank you so much!!! All the suggestions possible are so appreciated! Not getting my hopes up too high but really hoping I can pull it through. Little peanut is already nuzzling it’s way into my heart. The outside link you sent said parsley is high in Vitamin E so minced some up and have it seeping. Will try giving some of that “tea” during next food/water session.

 

[jmorgan111]

Some stargazing is from a hereditary issue, or an incubation problem, but a thiamine (vitamin B1) or vitamin E deficiency can be a cause. I am not familiar with ducks, though. I would try some vitamins including B1, E, and give some chopped egg for a bit of selenium which helps with uptake of E.

Thank you! It won’t eat solids yet but I’ll try mashing egg up in the broth/slurry to attempt to get some in there.

 

[chickens really]

Hello. It needs starter feed. Wet to a soupy mix. Others use B complex and niacin ..I never have. I'll tag in someone to help you along. @Miss Lydia

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yes def liquid b complex and vitamin e. Just put tiny drops right inside the bill. Some have used poultry nutrition drench along with liquid b complex so try them and see which one works the best for your little one. You can use human liquid complex Walmart has it 3 ml daily or go to TSC and buy cattle dept liquid b complex that will be 1 ml a day it’s more concentrated. Yes hope one of these products helps.