One dead duck and one struggling to stand

[Isadora]

This morning I went to get the eggs or of the duck coop after letting them out. One of my runner hens was laying in the corner, dead, with her head stretched out behind her until it was resting on top of her back. It was really shocking and creepy looking. She had no wounds, no discharge from any orifice. I have no idea what happened. Everybody looked fine yesterday. Everyone was normal all day, and believe me, I watch my ducks all the time for the therapeutic aspect! Went to put them in this evening and everyone came over to the fence to greet me. One runner, another female, was waddling very strangely and fell onto her front and couldn't get up. One of my sweet drakes went over and stood next to her and seemed concerned by her behavior. I went over there and picked her up and she was panting a little. So I have her separated from everyone in a dog kennel with some straw. I offered her water but she wouldn't take any. Outside of the trouble walking and standing, she is pretty with it. Does this sound like botulism?

 

[azygous]

Yes, botulism or some kind of toxin exposure. Mold and petroleum distillates, along with botulism toxin, all produce these sort of symptoms. It's important to investigate where they could have picked up this exposure so you might treat it if possible.

Do you have people going by your place that could have seen your ducks and tried to feed them? People can be morons when it comes to thinking some things are just splendid to feed ducks.

Machinery leaking fluids can contaminate the ground where poultry forage. Sometimes a family member will toss out paint thinner or other toxic substance, not thinking of the danger to the ducks or chickens that might wander over there and get sick from it.

If you think this might be botulism toxin, get the other duck on an antibiotic ASAP.

 

[Isadora]

Yes, botulism or some kind of toxin exposure. Mold and petroleum distillates, along with botulism toxin, all produce these sort of symptoms. It's important to investigate where they could have picked up this exposure so you might treat it if possible.

Do you have people going by your place that could have seen your ducks and tried to feed them? People can be morons when it comes to thinking some things are just splendid to feed ducks.

Machinery leaking fluids can contaminate the ground where poultry forage. Sometimes a family member will toss out paint thinner or other toxic substance, not thinking of the danger to the ducks or chickens that might wander over there and get sick from it.

If you think this might be botulism toxin, get the other duck on an antibiotic ASAP.

Thank you for the reply!
It would be highly unlikely it was someone dropping by to feed them. We are rural and the ducks are behind the house. The only thing I can think of that's different is I moved their poultry fence just week to include a new area for them to forage. It rained quite a bit the last few days and there are a few spots where the water doesn't drain well and there's some standing water.

 

[Isadora]

My girl is doing better. She's walking pretty well. I haven't seen her stumble or fall, but she does seem to be weaker than normal. She has eaten and drank quite a bit of water. Right now her neck and head feathers are sticking up and she keeps opening her mouth a lot. I wasn't sure if those last two things are due to stress from being away from her flock or something else.