One of our ducks is looking rough, acting a bit odd

[billw]

Something is not right, but I'm not sure what to make of it. We have nine ducks and two drakes. One of the ducks is avoiding the other ducks, acting a bit listless, and looks shabby. Her head and neck are dirty. So, nothing dramatic, but I'm wondering if I am missing something. They are mating, but not frequently as far as we can tell.

Is there anything I should be looking for?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Something is not right, but I'm not sure what to make of it. We have nine ducks and two drakes. One of the ducks is avoiding the other ducks, acting a bit listless, and looks shabby. Her head and neck are dirty. So, nothing dramatic, but I'm wondering if I am missing something. They are mating, but not frequently as far as we can tell.

Is there anything I should be looking for?

Do you know if she has been laying? if you can pick her up you might want to separate her for a while to keep an eye on her. maybe let her swim in a tub of warm water to clean up, and if she is having trouble laying an egg sometimes this helps. or could she have eaten something toxic? something while out foraging?

 

[billw]

I am never up and about when the ducks lay, so I don't know for certain if she has been laying, but I suspect so.

It is possible that she ate something, but they only forage in the garden, so I'm not sure what it could have been. I fed them a bunch of overwintered cabbage a couple days ago, but that hasn't seemed to cause any distress before.

She is doing a pretty good job of separating herself from the other ducks, but I might move her into a dog crate with her own food and water.

 

[Amiga]

Could be she is a "favorite" of one or both drakes, and getting too much attention.

I would separate her, give her a warm bath, some treats, and a break.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I am never up and about when the ducks lay, so I don't know for certain if she has been laying, but I suspect so.

It is possible that she ate something, but they only forage in the garden, so I'm not sure what it could have been. I fed them a bunch of overwintered cabbage a couple days ago, but that hasn't seemed to cause any distress before.

She is doing a pretty good job of separating herself from the other ducks, but I might move her into a dog crate with her own food and water.

After a few days of R&R and observation please let us know how is doing.