Need Help ASAP

[Salixx]

Have they been drinking okay? You want to make sure they are fully hydrated before feeding, as feeding a dehydrated bird could kill them.

Can you see if the vet that saw you today could sell you the needed tube feeding supplies? You'll want an 18 fr feeding catheter, a catheter-tip syringe, and baby parrot formula.

If the vet can't sell these things to you, you can get some aquarium tubing, cut it down to the appropriate length, and then melt the edges of the end that would be going into the ducklings. Then, you can pick up a catheter tip syringe at Tractor Supply, and baby parrot formula at a pet store like Petco or Petsmart.

Basically at this point it's keeping them fed and alive long enough to let the medicine do its job.

They have been drinking right along. Not nearly as much as when they were healthy but they have been a bit. They are also still pooping.

I was feeding a very watered down mix as I was concerned about hydration as well as calories. The mix is a little less thick than milk. Is that okay as far as hydration concerns?

I don’t want to be too hopeful but the one that I thought would be gone by the end of the night has perked up a bit and was actually standing and walking around a little bit. Before it could barely keep its head up. I know they are far from out of the woods but hopefully it’s a step in the right direction.

 

[Salixx]

I’m down to one.

I got up to feed them and one was dead. The other died while I was trying to get fluids in it. I feel terrible for stressing it out when it was actively dying.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I am so sorry. You tried your best.

 

[Salixx]

Thank you for your kind words. I think the last one stands a chance if I can get it to eat. It is drinking. It’s breathing easier and it’s eyes aren’t watery. It is also getting up and walking some. I do think it is depressed since it has lost its whole family - I’ve always been the fun and treat dispenser and not mom so it isn’t particularly attached to me. I put a mirror in with it and will see what I can find for stuffies to cuddle.

I’ve been misting it’s nares, bill and eyes which it seems to enjoy. I grabbed some more supplies including live mealworms to see if I can entice it to eat. I’m afraid of forcing anything but meds at this point because it fights me so hard and gets so stressed and I’m afraid it will only make things worse and waste all its remaining energy fighting me rather than the infection.

This is has been a very hard experience for me. If this little one lives I will see if I can find a similarly aged duckling to be its friend. Otherwise I am going to take some time and think things over. I will try again but will be wiser this time and make sure I have all my duck and chicken emergency supplies before hand. I’m sorry these babies suffered from my inexperience.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Hopefully he/she will begin eating today.

There are so many things we learn along the way from having critters. Some are extremely hard.
Sounds encouraging that the little one is breathing easier and eyes are looking better. And up and walking some.
Thanks for the update.

 

[Miss Lydia]

How your duck this afternoon?

 

[Salixx]

Little duck is hanging in there. It’s still not eating to my knowledge and not drinking enough but still pooping and drinking a little.

I took it out in my lap outside for a little while today and just kept it company. It’s head feathers are coming in so the feather casing is loose and dandruffy and looked itchy. I gently scratched its head to loosen it (fake preen?) and it seemed to enjoy it. I’m not a duck but I hope some cuddles and gentle scratches help. It slept in my lap most of the time and didn’t seem terribly stressed by it.


It seems to mostly want to sleep so I am trying to let it be while offering an electrolyte mix every couple of hours which it sometimes sips and also misting it which gets it to drink just a little more.

It’s also standing while sleeping right now which is “good” in my book. The others could barely hold their heads up before dying, let alone stand. It at least has some strength to do that and doesn’t appear to be struggling to breath anymore.

I really hope it rallies and gets its appetite back. I’m trying not to get my hopes up to high right now. If it does pass, I hope it knows it was loved.

 

[Quatie]

Little duck is hanging in there. It’s still not eating to my knowledge and not drinking enough but still pooping and drinking a little.

I really hope it rallies and gets its appetite back. I’m trying not to get my hopes up to high right now. If it does pass, I hope it knows it was loved.

I am sorry for the loss of your ducklings. It is always hard to lose them when they are so young.

Have you tried some scrambled eggs? It is loaded with nutrients good for them. Sometimes they will eat it over feed.

I hope the little one is able to pull through.

 

[Miss Lydia]

You may want to try tube feeding again tomorrow if he still isn't eating just go by the instructions in the info about it. Hopefully, the meds are starting to kick in.

 

[Salixx]

You may want to try tube feeding again tomorrow if he still isn't eating just go by the instructions in the info about it. Hopefully, the meds are starting to kick in.

I’m afraid to do it because he fights so much just with the antibiotic but I’m starting to feel I have no choice. There’s a wildlife rehaber that I found on my state’s F&W website that specializes in waterfowl that by chance is located in my town. It might be a long shot but I think I am going to call her and see if she is willing to help/show me what I am doing wrong.

In the mean time I have been making a “milk” with either his feed or eggs and a bit of sugar for energy. He will take a couple sips of it before being done with me and wanting to go back. Occasionally he’s grabbed a piece of egg as well and eaten it. I’m trying to do this every 2-3 hours to keep his energy up a bit.

I think some of this is depression. He is able to stand and walk okay and breaths pretty well. When he goes back in the crate he cries until he finds his reflection in the mirror then huddles with it. I can’t imagine how incredibly lonely he must be and it breaks my heart.

I hope I can get him to turn around (or her). This little duck is a fighter.