One duckling with the runs but not the other

[KaydiD32]

hi, I’m new here and frequently watch these forums for advice and other things when it come to my two 26 day old runner ducks (give or take a day or so). Yesterday I noticed after their bath that they had some runny poop, now as they are ducks I didn’t immediately worry because they are water loving animals who’s poop can change at the drop of a dime. Today I started becoming a little bit more worried because I noticed that although the male duck had returned to normal the females is still very runny. As the day progressed I also noticed her wings dropping forwards and to the sides, she also seems to rather sit than stand but happily obliged to her baths today.

They have had access to electrolyte water and probiotics. We also recently (last week) changed their higher protein starter to a lower grade. They stay outside on nice days during the day with close babysitting. There brooder box aka sleeping area for now is cleaned three times daily with their water and food dishes.

I should mention my male duck seems to be a little wobbly but it’s only very seldom, he also seems to be crowding her so much he will climb on top not her.

I don’t want to over assess the situation but don’t want anything to happen to them if something is going on with her.

Why would only one duck have awful diarrhea?
Why would there smell exponentially increase over a 2 day period to the point you could dry heave (mother of four and I’ve smelled death before)?

I’m just curious about all this.

 

[Knighstar679]

They look like Pekin are they on niacin? That might help with the wobble. What food did you switch to? Could they have eaten anything outside that could trigger this? Plants, frogs, so on?

 

[KaydiD32]

They are on niacin. They will grow into fawn and white runners. The only things they have gotten into are some spiders by my doorway. We switched to a lower grade 16-18% feed instead of the 20% they were on. I’m just worried cause it’s only one with runs and the other is wobbly. I would think they would both have similar symptoms

 

[Miss Lydia]

Ducks can have watery poop because they drink a ton of water it usually doesn't mean something is wrong as long as they are eating drinking and acting normal. I have 2 three week old Fawn an White Runner ducklings and they can have wet poop and solid all in a few minutes apart. But for the wobbliness I'd put the one some Liquid B complex from TSC It in the cattle dept and will say injectable but just peel the foil off and use a dropper I am putting 1ml into their drinking water daily and if they show anything out of the norm like weakness in their legs they will get 1ml each given some dried meal worms. Niacin def can be very serious in water fowl and should be treated asap. I am also using Nutritional yeast sprinkled over their feed. 1 Tab per cup. the older they get the worse their poo will smell. Beautiful ducklings. and

 

[chickens really]

Do they eat grasses, weeds, veggies? I never worry about poop really because water intake definitely changes the poop.

 

[KaydiD32]

I’m only worried because they are a very clingy duo named chicken and goose. They go everywhere attached at the hip. Chicken the female has awful diarrhea but Goose the male is fine just a little wobbly. I will go get the liquid b and as far as the nutritional yeast goes the person I contact here at our local tractor supply said to hold off on that and mealworms, I have obviously recently question that judgment because this is the second time they said something that I felt was just wrong. They wanted me to use wood chips as bedding and I bought that would be a super hazard for the curious babes. They don’t really get anything I don’t give them unless it’s some grass or their ever favorite spiders. We have generic friendly house spiders all around which was another reason to get the ducks, to help exterminate the ever growing populous. Thank you for all your advice. I am going to start it out and update when things either improve or if for some odd reason they don’t. Anyways I am definitely going to start coming here for more information instead of a store where they clearly know nothing about ducks specifically.

 

[chickens really]

Are you still putting stuff in the water ? Do they get lots of excerise daily?

 

[KaydiD32]

I am I still put the probiotics and electrolytes. The go outside, weather permitting obviously, every day for the majority of the time the sun is out. They can jump out of their pool and go forage for the day (10hrs or so) however I have to closely monitor them so they don’t get into a pile of swing set materials we just took down for safety reasons.

I’m really boggled and just don’t want either of the new babes getting hurt or sick.

 

[chickens really]

I am I still put the probiotics and electrolytes. The go outside, weather permitting obviously, every day for the majority of the time the sun is out. They can jump out of their pool and go forage for the day (10hrs or so) however I have to closely monitor them so they don’t get into a pile of swing set materials we just took down for safety reasons.

I’m really boggled and just don’t want either of the new babes getting hurt or sick.

I'd stop the extras in the water. Electrolytes are hard on the heart and possibly the reason for her loose poop. Just fresh water and feed is all they need. Plus forage material and veggies.

 

[Miss Lydia]

If your feeding them feed that is formulated for chickens like what most of us can get. unless we buy an All flock we have to supplement for the niacin it is lacking. But once one is already having wobbly legs or weak legs then it's best to use the liquid b complex. Yes exercise is very important along with nutritional support. I get mine outside at least 2-3 times a day for play time they have a blast even my 2-3 day olds are enjoying it. Play time in nice warm water in the tub is good for them too it helps build strong leg muscles and will get them preening and gets the oil gland working.