One of my ducks laid a perfectly-formed yolk? + Odd duck

[prestoconfuoco]

@Crazy Maizie just to assuage my anxiety, is it the same deal here? I think what you said is, if theres egg white, that means it was fully laid?

And what is this white tube within the egg???

 

[prestoconfuoco]

From my research on this weird white tube thing, I found a few other examples.

It looks like the weird "tail" growth is associated with soft-shelled eggs, so it's very possible (I'd say probable) that one of them laid a soft-shelled egg, and they ate the soft shell before I could actually see it. This weird "tube" is what remains of the soft shell, I think.

Here are said examples:
https://behindthewillows.com/2013/03/15/an-unusual-egg/
https://www.beautyofbirds.com/images/birds/Softshellegg.jpg
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...te-membrane-attached-whats-causing-it.793334/


I did get them oyster shell the other day, but they won't eat it -- I think it's not a good kind because it's all rocky.

My Mazuri Breeder food just came in today, so I've temporarily switched them to 100% breeder in the hopes of getting this weird egg business sorted out. Then, once I start seeing normal duck eggs, I'll taper them back down to around 50-50 or 75-maintenance 25-breeder.

If I can get a liquid calcium supplement at tractor supply I'll do that for a day or two as well, just to get them up to speed.

Everything I've read suggests this should be a calcium problem.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

View attachment 2820288

@Crazy Maizie just to assuage my anxiety, is it the same deal here? I think what you said is, if theres egg white, that means it was fully laid?View attachment 2820301

And what is this white tube within the egg???

That's most likely the membrane. Have you given them access to oyster shell? Might want to add some calcium gluconate as well.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

From my research on this weird white tube thing, I found a few other examples.

It looks like the weird "tail" growth is associated with soft-shelled eggs, so it's very possible (I'd say probable) that one of them laid a soft-shelled egg, and they ate the soft shell before I could actually see it. This weird "tube" is what remains of the soft shell, I think.

Here are said examples:
https://behindthewillows.com/2013/03/15/an-unusual-egg/
https://www.beautyofbirds.com/images/birds/Softshellegg.jpg
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...te-membrane-attached-whats-causing-it.793334/


I did get them oyster shell the other day, but they won't eat it -- I think it's not a good kind because it's all rocky.

My Mazuri Breeder food just came in today, so I've temporarily switched them to 100% breeder in the hopes of getting this weird egg business sorted out. Then, once I start seeing normal duck eggs, I'll taper them back down to around 50-50 or 75-maintenance 25-breeder.

If I can get a liquid calcium supplement at tractor supply I'll do that for a day or two as well, just to get them up to speed.

Everything I've read suggests this should be a calcium problem.

So, I rarely see mine eat it either. But, maybe you have to entice them to eat it at this point since it's newly offered. And it will be a bit "rocky". I know one member says for their chickens when they need a boost, they add some blobs of yogurt on a rock with the shell to entice their chickens to eat it. But, definitely get a liquid calcium supplement to offer the duck.

 

[prestoconfuoco]

That's most likely the membrane. Have you given them access to oyster shell? Might want to add some calcium gluconate as well.

Is calcium gluconate the water-soluble supplement?

 

[Crazy Maizie]

Gluconate is an injectable and I referred to the wrong form of calcium. Though you can give the injectable, but there's a certain way it has to be administered. I don't have the knowledge or skill to instruct how to do that. I also referred to a liquid and misspoke as I was thinking liquid complex vitamin b, but was also in a rush to post since my lunch break was over.
Calcium carbonate with vitamin d3 is what I use (citracal or a similar product). I crush it up and add it to a treat or mix it in with the oyster shells.

Is calcium gluconate the water-soluble supplement?

 

[DukesDucks]

My ducks were reluctant to eat oyster shell at first. I added finely crushed egg shells and that got them going now they eat as much as they need. I finely crush the shells because I want them to get the taste but not encourage any kind of egg eating.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

My ducks were reluctant to eat oyster shell at first. I added finely crushed egg shells and that got them going now they eat as much as they need. I finely crush the shells because I want them to get the taste but not encourage any kind of egg eating.

I feed mine egg shells too. It's a mixture of oyster and crushed egg shell. Then if I have issues I add the citracal crushed up. Usually this takes care of egg shell issues. I've just never had one lay eggs with no shell - soft or just a membrane - but not a totally shelled egg. That's a bit alarming as it could cause even more issues if the egg isn't laid.

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

Is calcium gluconate the water-soluble supplement?

Calcium gluconate is clear liquid, and water soluble, when i give it i give it over treats to 7 of my birds who will eat treats at a rate of 1ml/bird per day. The other 2 who won't touch treats require it given orally via a syringe, it’s easier with 2 people, especially with an uncooperative bird. As you have to dribble down the side of the throat, just shooting it in
There could get it into their lungs causing all sorts of problems including death. You will see where it needs to go when you get there, but i watched a couple you tube videos.

 

[Miss Lydia]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...dications-to-all-poultry-and-waterfowl.73335/
good one to have in your bookmarks.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/calcium-gluconate-for-egg-bound-ducks-preliminary.959537/