Pekin Duck weak and panting. Not sure what’s wrong?

[ThePaulsRanch]

Very sad. Always feel bad when I can’t help one or don’t notice an issue in time. Poor duck. And poor lone duck that’s left. Do you think it would be best to rehome, or try to get some ducklings/goslings or older duck or what? The others all grew up together.

I would suggest you either get a few more ducks around the same age as yours now, or rehome. After being with other ducks, your lone one is sure to be scared and lonely! If you want to get a few others to integrate with her, I would check Craigslist or even your local feed store. I wouldn't suggest ducklings, just becuase we have had problems integrating our adult birds with babies that are very young. So now we wait until the ducklings are around the same size as our adult Pekins. Let us know if you can find her some friends or if you decide to rehome!

 

[ThePaulsRanch]

Ok there were 2 eggs in there since yesterday and her vent looked normal and husband felt around and didn’t feel anything hard. So maybe not egg bound?

Hmmm... I have found that trying to figure out exactly what is wrong or what went wrong with a sick bird is difficult. If you don't feel or see an egg, I would say something else went wrong with your duck. I haven't had much experience with sick adult ducks, mostly ducklings, but I wish I knew what happened. They are so good at hiding sickness, and only show symptoms when something is very wrong.

 

[ThePaulsRanch]

Hmmm... I have found that trying to figure out exactly what is wrong or what went wrong with a sick bird is difficult. If you don't feel or see an egg, I would say something else went wrong with your duck. I haven't had much experience with sick adult ducks, mostly ducklings, but I wish I knew what happened. They are so good at hiding sickness, and only show symptoms when something is very wrong.

One thing we have learned with our ducks, is definitely giving them Brewers yeast daily ( for the niacin ducks need ), and vitamins in their waters every few days. And lots of herbs and fresh greens. It helps keep them from getting sick or having a vitamin deficiency. At least your sick duck isn't suffering anymore.

 

[marybowman]

Thanks for the sympathies and advice. I keep wondering if she ate something when they were exploring the property the other day? It just seems so fast and strange! I asked my friend if she would be willing to take her. They have a lovely flock of ducks and chickens and our kids are friends. Fingers crossed.

I’m so hesitant to get more bc this troublesome fox literally lives about 50 yards from our fence.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I am so sorry about losing her. Just like ThePaulsRanch said they can be sick quite a while before we even know it. Could have been an infection of some kind could have been nutrient def hard to know. A lot of times at that age it can be egg bound and we just have to eliminate all possibilities. I think you have made the best decision about rehoming her if you have a fox problem her being alone will make her all the more predator prone.

Again very sorry for your loss