Pekin Drake sudden death

[MommaBurnie]

I have 20 ducks. mixed breeds.
This particular Pekin male came over to see me with the lettuce as usual last night, when it was time to go in he appeared to be having a seizure. I immediately picked him up and his neck flung back and I lifted him onto my shoulder and held him as he drew his last breaths.... The only thing I noticed was his penis was prolapsed, but I believe that happened at the end of the seizure. He is approximately 6 years old.

He was attacked as a teenage duckling by a rat, but fully recovered and is actually one of two 'boss' males. anyone have any ideas? everyone else is fine, bit dirty from the thaw then cold snap but fine.... in a shed, with heat lamps, very little draft and fresh water/food daily.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I'm so sorry to hear about your drake. Without a necropsy, there isn't any way of knowing for sure what happened. But being 6 yrs old it may have been his heart.

 

[DucksOhio]

So sorry for your loss. That’s heartbreaking.

 

[ruthhope]

Sad for you and your Pekin drake. But it was good for him that you were there with him.

 

[Quatie]

So sorry to hear about your drake. I agree it was probably his heart. 6 years is old for Pekins. I hope the rest of the flock is doing well.