Pekin Duck Club!

[zzack354]

I have 6, 10 month old Peking ducks. They are in an uncovered large pen inside our fenced in the yard. The tree canopy has protected them all summer. We never had a problem until last night. A hawk attacked one, the largest one and tried to lift him over the 4' fence of their pen. We caught him in the act and scared him off! We brought Truffles inside to take care of his wounds but I am not sure if he is going to survive them. What can I use on them? Please help? He did get into the water tray, I placed in the crate because it was bloody. I'm not sure if I should try to feed him. His eyes are shut and he has a wound on the side of his jaw line.

 

[The Howards]

I have 6, 10 month old Peking ducks. They are in an uncovered large pen inside our fenced in the yard. The tree canopy has protected them all summer. We never had a problem until last night. A hawk attacked one, the largest one and tried to lift him over the 4' fence of their pen. We caught him in the act and scared him off! We brought Truffles inside to take care of his wounds but I am not sure if he is going to survive them. What can I use on them? Please help? He did get into the water tray, I placed in the crate because it was bloody. I'm not sure if I should try to feed him. His eyes are shut and he has a wound on the side of his jaw line.

So sorry about that. We recently lost a pullet to an attack so I completely understand. The predators seem to be terrible this year (or maybe every year and I only just noticed it).
The good news is that ducks are very resilient. They have a super high body temp that is usually able to fight off infections. Clean the wound as best as you can, use water or saline solution. Trim feathers away from the area if possible to help healing and prevent them from catching debris. You can put NON-medicated neosporin on it. He could be in shock and that may be why his eyes are closed. How does his breathing sound?
The best thing for him right now is to put him in a crate/box in the house somewhere warm and dry. Keep him calm and as still as possible. Let him rest and recuperate. If he is drinking or when he starts again you may want to put some vitamins and electrolytes in the water, put it in a container that he can dunk his head but not swim in.
I have read on here several cases where ducks have recovered from some horrible attacks so keep watch on him and give him some love and attention.
This is basically what we did when one of our Rouens got a nasty deep cut between her leg and body. Have not had to deal with a hawk attack on one of them but the principle on wound care is the same.

 

[ktduck]

Do you know some good treats to give ducklings?

I was eager to give my ducklings treats too! I gave them shredded kale and shredded bok Choy and they LOVE it! Also they like mushed up tomatoes. Hate carrots! Basically anything that is mushy and small they can have a try of.
Be aware though now that I have given them these treats they want them all the time and don't get very excited about their duckling feed!! I have 2 khaki Campbell's and am thinking of pekins as my next breed! Or welsh harlequin.. Can't decide?!

 

 

[Gardentoad]

I used Tri Care 3 way wound treatment for horses and dogs on the wounds on a duck after a dog got her. First I cleaned the wounds and then applied the salve pushing it into the tooth holes. I thought I'd loose her but she recovered. Keep the wounded duck separated from the others or they will pick on it.

 

[zzack354]

Thank you for the advice. Truffles is being kept in a large dog crate in my home. He seems to still be in shock. He is not eating very much. I have been treating his wound with vetericyn. I will look into the Tri Care too.

 

[animalgodess]

I have three beautiful Pekin ducks. I have a drake called Daffy and two ducks which i called Dutchess and Diana. Mine tend to be quite lazy though...

 

[fairytalefarmer]

So I have three Pekins, and I thought one of them was a male, but now I have no idea. None of them have curled tail feathers, but none of them are laying any eggs. They were hatched on May 29th and I brought them home May 30th. Of course, I am thinking that the no eggs situation could be due to the very cold weather ( like -44 at night.) I have 17 chickens that are still laying in the cold weather. Of course, they are all in the barn almost all day due to the very low temps here in Manitoba, but that hasn't been effecting the chickens laying rate. Any ideas/suggestions?

 

[Amiga]

Do they quack loudly?

 

[fairytalefarmer]

Yup, they sure do! Especially when I come into the barn and start talking to them. I know tow of them do for sure, the ones with light peach-pink bills, but I'm not sure if the one with the orange bill (the one I think is a male) does.

 

[Amiga]

So, loud quacks are girls, boys mumble and whasp.

Are they hopping on top of each other yet? That's a sign they are getting ready. Do they get oyster shell on the side yet?