New and freaking out

[quackityquack]

I have four Welsh Harlequin ducklings that are now 3 weeks old. All are doing well, except for one is a lot smaller than the others and also has a little bald spot where the feathers used to be directly under her eye. No bullying or biting is going on. No flies or anything. They eat organic duck starter and I sprinkle chicken grit on top. They free range in my yard most of the day and are in a dog kennel with a heater on my screened porch at night. She doesn't seem to go at the food like the other ducks. She more picks here and there. I'm so worried about her! I have been adding a little acv to their water here and there. And them I give them that Bob's probiotic stuff for chickens. Her poop seems fine. I'm just so worried she is sick or something and failing to thrive.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Dazzle is middle right...

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi,

I know nothing about ducks, but it would not do any harm to add some electrolytes / supplements to their drinking water - it should perk up her appetite. Adding aloe vera does a similar job for chickens and i sometimes use that.

Good luck!

CT

 

[shortgrass]

IMO, she looks perfectly healthy... You didn't mention any behavior cues telling you she's sick.. Listless, droopy wings, sickly... As long as she's still eating and active, I wouldn't worry... It could possibly just be a spot she scratched and now the feathers need to grow back.

Some ducklings just aren't as vigorous as others, and sometimes smaller ones are female

Edit* she has a different colored bill! Are you positive all 4 ducks are Harlequin? That could explain the size difference too.

 

[N F C]

I've never raised ducks (chicken person here) but yours sure are cute. You could try posting over on the duck forum and see if anyone there sees a reason to be alarmed:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/42/ducks

Good luck to you and thanks for joining us!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[trailrider330]

Welcome to the BYC flock! We are glad you joined us!

I do not have any experience with ducks, but I would definitely recommend you head on over to the duck thread and try to get your questions answered there. Good luck!

 

[drumstick diva]

I also recommend you post on the "Duck thread." for answers duck folks should be able to answer. I don't know anything about them either.