- Feb 23, 2014
- 56
- 0
- 29
Howdy! I realize this is a site emphasizing chickens, but we have seen a lot of info on ducks too so we though we would join. 
Four days ago my husband rescued a duckling from the feed shop he works at. It was the only duckling that wasn't like the others (crested and not walking) and so they asked my husband to take it outside and kill it. He told them no and said he would take it home and we would take care of it. So here we are!
We are unsure of the gender, but we've been calling it a 'she' for now until we find out for sure. Her name is Ducky and she is a super sweet! She has very strong legs, but can't seem to keep her neck/head straight long enough to walk or stand. She swings her head to the left or right and just falls over. She has taught herself to get around by sliding on her side until she reaches something that she can prop herself up on, stand up, flop over, and start the process over again. She is fully capable of getting to her food and water, which was a big concern for us, so we're thankful for that. She started getting depressed after being separated for a day, so we went the next day and got her a buddy (unsure of gender). We call 'him' Scuba because he loves to dive underwater! They are both rouen/mallard ducklings, from the same mama. They like to cuddle together which just melts our hearts!
We made a brooding box with a plastic tub, heat lamp, pine shavings, old towel, and a stuffed animal. We feed them un-medicated started feed in a shallow mason jar lid. We read online that ducklings have a niacin deficiency, so we give them water that takes care of that (100mg niacin per gallon water) and they've been on that for 3 days now. That is the only supplement they are on. Scuba is very healthy and doing well, but Ducky is still unable to walk upright. Her legs are not splayed at all, she just can't seem to hold her head still and keep her balance. If I can post a video I will be sure to show everyone what she looks like. They're both good swimmers! Ducky constantly moves and doesn't have any trouble keeping her bill above water, which is good. She tends to swim straight and then in circles until she finds a wall to lean on. We are afraid that Ducky will never be able to walk properly and that she may have some sort of neurological damage from hatching or being crested...does anyone have any experience with this type of thing? We have never had ducks before, but we are doing our best to give them the best life they can possibly have.
ANY advice or help would be greatly appreciated! We can't seem to find anyone online that has described the same issues that we are having with our little Ducky...
Thanks! -The Smiths (from Texas)
Four days ago my husband rescued a duckling from the feed shop he works at. It was the only duckling that wasn't like the others (crested and not walking) and so they asked my husband to take it outside and kill it. He told them no and said he would take it home and we would take care of it. So here we are!We are unsure of the gender, but we've been calling it a 'she' for now until we find out for sure. Her name is Ducky and she is a super sweet! She has very strong legs, but can't seem to keep her neck/head straight long enough to walk or stand. She swings her head to the left or right and just falls over. She has taught herself to get around by sliding on her side until she reaches something that she can prop herself up on, stand up, flop over, and start the process over again. She is fully capable of getting to her food and water, which was a big concern for us, so we're thankful for that. She started getting depressed after being separated for a day, so we went the next day and got her a buddy (unsure of gender). We call 'him' Scuba because he loves to dive underwater! They are both rouen/mallard ducklings, from the same mama. They like to cuddle together which just melts our hearts!
We made a brooding box with a plastic tub, heat lamp, pine shavings, old towel, and a stuffed animal. We feed them un-medicated started feed in a shallow mason jar lid. We read online that ducklings have a niacin deficiency, so we give them water that takes care of that (100mg niacin per gallon water) and they've been on that for 3 days now. That is the only supplement they are on. Scuba is very healthy and doing well, but Ducky is still unable to walk upright. Her legs are not splayed at all, she just can't seem to hold her head still and keep her balance. If I can post a video I will be sure to show everyone what she looks like. They're both good swimmers! Ducky constantly moves and doesn't have any trouble keeping her bill above water, which is good. She tends to swim straight and then in circles until she finds a wall to lean on. We are afraid that Ducky will never be able to walk properly and that she may have some sort of neurological damage from hatching or being crested...does anyone have any experience with this type of thing? We have never had ducks before, but we are doing our best to give them the best life they can possibly have.
ANY advice or help would be greatly appreciated! We can't seem to find anyone online that has described the same issues that we are having with our little Ducky...
Thanks! -The Smiths (from Texas)
When we picked up Scuba, we looked at all the ducklings and picked the one that seemed the sweetest. He didn't peck at the others or trample over them, he just followed and waited his turn to eat and drink. He is just a big softy with Ducky! We have not seen him peck at her, but it's hard to know if one of the others did while they were being delivered to the feed store... I sure hope not.
and Welcome To BYC! Sorry about your duckling, hope it is OK.
