Pekin duck question...?

[mlwtbzj]

Quote:
I'm not sure what she used but I know she got it from our local feed store or the Tractor Supply store. The last couple of weeks our weather as been in the upper teens to mid 20's and that is way colder than we are used to. We even got a very small snow here last thursday. Today, the high is to be 60, so needless to say our weather is a little everywhere. Thanks!

 

[Duck_feeder]

How old were they? freezing temps generally aren't a problem for fully fledged ducks, but ducklings can die from the cold - especially if they get wet. Is their pen heated in any way?

I recall reading a week or two ago about ducklings that died shortly getting fresh water to drink. Apparently they had lots of food to eat but ran out of water so when they were given water, the food expanded in their stomachs which killed them. is it possible they are running out of water?

Might want to check the food too - if it's gone bad they could be dying from toxic molds.

 

[Amiga]

Duck_feeder, they were four months old.

 

[Duck_feeder]

Quote:
Ah, somehow I missed that important bit of info... From what I understand, cold weather shouldn't be too much of a problem at that age as long as they can get dry...

 

[Amiga]

Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks states that the "leading causes of health and physical problems in ducks are improper diet and/or ingestion (and rarely, inhalation) of toxins."

But the mother and father seem fine. Are they getting the same feed? If they are, that is why I think it may be the environment around or in the pen with the younger ducks. If the ducks were kept inside more during the cold spell, and there was mold in the bedding, that could lead to problems, but I would expect they would show symptoms before passing away.

Any chance of getting a vet or animal expert to look at the remains?

 

[Amiga]

One more thought: may I gently and strongly advise that no more ducklings be hatched or brought in until you know just what went wrong? It would be sadness upon sadness to lose more ducks, and still not know why.

 

[Duck_feeder]

I just realized the OP said they are on chick starter feed still even though they are 4 months old. I assume the parents are on maintenance or layer feed? If so, I'd suspect the food is to blame. Your friend should switch them to the same food as the parents.

I would throw out the chick starter feed in case it's contaminated with toxic mold. Wash out any containers that held that feed and sterilize them with bleach and hot water.

 

[duckyfromoz]

Now knowing that not all duckilings died at once- but over a few days- I tend to agree with duck feeder- it sounds from the information so far it could be feed related.
By four months they are old enough to be eating the same as the parents.


Having said that- I would also like to mention- that you couldnt rule out other posibilities still. Genetics could have played a part as well. I know of a few breeders out here who have had a staggered loss of older ducklings due to imbreeding or genetic problems.

A friend of mine purchased young ducks from a meat bird hatchery last year. And lost all four ducklings over 3 days. It was a very fast acting virus. It is also recommended that the pen the ducks are housed in be cleaned thoroughly too.

I suggest that your friend cant safely assume it was only one factor- and make a number of changes before hatching any more ducklings.
1. Change feed for the current survivers.
2. clean pen thoroughly, as well as feed containers- water containers.
3. ensure parents diet is nutritionally sound while laying. Vitamins added to drinking water may be helpful.
4. ensure parents and young alike are worm and lice free
5. Ensure any bedding used is fresh and free from molds.
6. ensure adequate protection from weather especially suuden cold snaps in winter while birds are young.

There are still other factors that could contribute- but these few steps will rule out a large proprtion of posibilities

 

[mlwtbzj]

I agree with all of you. I think she needs to change their food and clean everything very well. I am going to pass all this information on to her and I'm sure she will listen to us. She will have to get things done soon because she as 12 eggs in a incubator the mom laid on wed. Thank you all very much for your imput on my friends duck problem. Happy Farmin'!!!

 

[Duck_feeder]

Let us know how things work out!