Obese Ducks with Impacted/Sour Crop?? Help me.

[Finntheduck]

Hi there.

I made a similar post before, and through that post I found out that my ducks have an impacted crop..

I have two pekin ducks, both are 7 months old and female. Recently I have noticed their crop getting very large, and their behavior becoming sluggish to the point that they are having trouble walking. All this has been in the course of 3 days. I new to ducks, so I made a BIG mistake with their diet. In the begining I was only feeding them cracked corn, then I switched over to fresh veges (which I thought was healthier), and they never had any grit in their diet. Now they have what I believe to be impacted crops. They are doing headbobs to try and get the crop contents down. They seem to be in a lot of pain, and I feel so awful.

Their crops are very large, and if I massage it I can get them to poo out a little bit, or drool out some, but no matter how long I do that the crop size does not reduce. It is also painful for them when I touch the crop.

I am at a loss for what to do for them. These are my pets, and I love them very much. I am getting them on a better diet once this is all over since I have learned.

How do I deal with impacted crops? Will I need a vet? Is this even an impacted crop? I am so lost. Please help me, I am very upset. Thank you all.

 

[Debs Flock]

A vet is always the best choice. I understand that isn't always an option.

Here are some links to threads that discuss impacted crop.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1117053/impacted-crop-in-duck
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/952208/help-my-duck-may-have-impacted-crop


You can do searches by typing in words or phrases in the search bar near the top of the page (below the Backyard Chickens logo). I wish I could help more, but I've never experienced this issue.

To "tag" a user, type the @ sign followed immediately by the user name, like this: @Debs Flock You'll get a pop up list of options if you're typing in the name correctly. Click on the desired name. You've properly "tagged" them if the font turns blue. They should get an email alert letting them know they've been tagged in a specific thread.

Read up some and then come back here and tag some of the users that you see have responded on those other threads if you still have questions. Best of luck!

 

[Amiga]

I would get them to a vet as soon as possible. In the meantime I would consider putting a tiny bit of olive oil into their mouths, but that is just an idea I had - it might help lubricate their digestive system. I would also wet their food (monitor to prevent mold), and let them have grit.

The Ultimate Pet Duck Guidebook recommends a vet visit. Sometimes a vet will use a tiny amount (pea sized) of cat hairball remedy. But it may not be a good idea if the impaction is anything but food.

 

[chickens really]

Have you fed them any real feed?.....If so, mix some grit and the proper sized grit for adult birds add some margarine or oil to it......wet it to a soupy mix....You can add fresh tomato to encourage them to eat....Watermelon is watery also.....

Do you free feed or only twice a day?.....Sometimes they will over eat if they got too hungry.....water at all times.....

Best wishes.....

 

[Finntheduck]

I have been offering them cracked corn with grit, also yogurt (high in probiotics), but they wont eat anything. It has now been 3-4 days since they have eaten, unless you count them foraging in the hay? I have an appnt at 9:30 tomorrow. For both ducks exam it is $93, due to a discount from my sister working at a partner vet, which is not bad at all. I am excited! There might be some hope.

 

[chickens really]

I have been offering them cracked corn with grit, also yogurt (high in probiotics), but they wont eat anything. It has now been 3-4 days since they have eaten, unless you count them foraging in the hay? I have an appnt at 9:30 tomorrow. For both ducks exam it is $93, due to a discount from my sister working at a partner vet, which is not bad at all. I am excited! There might be some hope. 

Best wishes.....I hope it turns out great for you and the Ducks.........

 

[Debs Flock]

I have been offering them cracked corn with grit, also yogurt (high in probiotics), but they wont eat anything. It has now been 3-4 days since they have eaten, unless you count them foraging in the hay? I have an appnt at 9:30 tomorrow. For both ducks exam it is $93, due to a discount from my sister working at a partner vet, which is not bad at all. I am excited! There might be some hope.

What is their normal diet before they stopped eating?

Thanks for the update.

 

[Finntheduck]

Before they stopped eating, I was giving them a variety of fresh veggies (corn, peas, lettuce, etc..) I made the mistake of not offering them grit, which is what I believe started this whole issue. Before the whole fresh veggie thing, I was feeding them cracked corn and flock raiser, along with veggies here and there.

 

[Finntheduck]

Thank you

 

[Debs Flock]

Before they stopped eating, I was giving them a variety of fresh veggies (corn, peas, lettuce, etc..) I made the mistake of not offering them grit, which is what I believe started this whole issue. Before the whole fresh veggie thing, I was feeding them cracked corn and flock raiser, along with veggies here and there.

Do ask the vet for recommendations on feeding. Flock raiser, grit & oyster shell is all they need.