Odd Duck Behavior

[allyallyjohnson]

Okay, so I'm fairly new to this and I need to post about some odd behavior I have seen in my ducks recently. A bit of background is I purchased these ducks on April 7th from Tractor Supply Co. and they said the ducks were about a week old so my ducks are now about 2 months old. Wouldn't advise purchasing from TSC (they couldn't tell me exact age, sex, or even what kind of ducks I'm getting!!) I've come to the conclusion that I believe my ducks (I have 2) are Khaki Campbells, still unsure of sex. Anyway on to my actual questions/concerns: My ducks have been outside for about a month they have their own pen that I put them in at night and a swimming pool in the pen as well. Usually they are already in their pen by the time I go to put them up (around 8:30 every night) or they are still running around the yard with no interest in going to sleep but the past week or so I have found my ducks just sitting in the middle of the yard at night when I go to put them up instead of sitting in their pen is something wrong with their pen or have they grown to dislike it? I have checked the pen and there is no where for a snake or any other predator to hide in there so I'm sure they aren't scared. As for today my ducks have been acting EXTREMELY weird, they have just been sitting around, not their usual happy runner selves. One of them pooped about an hour ago and it was light brown and runny (I do have a picture of it) I have to admit they do occasionally get up and moving around but that is only when I am outside with them. I'm not sure what is wrong with them today. My mom and I did give them a little snack consisting of shredded carrots, blueberries, and cherry tomatoes but that was about 30 min-1 hour before one of them had runny poop and I have not seen the poop before that. I don't know they just seem kind of out of it today. I'd appreciate any help with any of my questions, thanks!

 

[Amiga]

Good you are paying close attention.

Could be any of those things, or something else.

Is their night pen really really secure? Is the top open? Things can get in that way. Is there half inch metal hardware cloth over all openings? Things will reach through, sometimes twisting chicken wire to create openings. They will grab the ducks even if they cannot get in.

Is the bedding moldy?
How is their feed?
Rats?

You might want to bring them in, keep them in a utility room or bathroom overnight to keep them safe while you figure this out.

Can you borrow a game camera? Those can be really useful.

I need to turn in now. I plan to check back in the a.m.

Hugs!

 

[allyallyjohnson]

Amiga, I built their pen myself the "door" that is on top is made of wood and locked 24/7, I lift the pen up and set it on some blocks during the day so the ducks have a place to go in the rain or for shade. I move the pen every couple days to avoid them living in mold and they just make it so darn muddy in there I move it to give them some fresh grass. I looked today and it does not seem like something has tried to move the chicken wire and the ducks seem pretty happy just being outside roaming the yard. Maybe they're just not ready for bed and want to play. Thank you for your help!

 

[Amiga]

It is entirely possible they just want to hang out. But duck mom knows best!

 

[flynntheduck]

Mine were putting themselves to bed when it was a bit cooler out but now that it is hot in central California they are not wanting to go to bed. It is warmer and staying light out longer so I think they just aren't ready yet. Maybe yours are the same?

 

[allyallyjohnson]

Yes, yes. Now that I think of it as it has gotten into more summer weather here in Tennessee! It's also rained a bit this last week so they have been out stomping in puddles-seems like muddy water is their favorite to drink.

I guess they are just out enjoying the summer nights. Thank y'all so much

 

[flynntheduck]

Oh yes mud puddles! They love them! Here's my duckies last night.