!! (please) HELP !! 3 wk duckling health declining !!!!!!

[Sharifc]

First time duck owner here, I have 3 ducklings who've been healthy so far until 3 days ago when one of them stopped eating and started acting very lethargic. As of this morning, she's constantly panting, even though she's in a cool area. She is drinking and pooping, her poop is mainly liquid but has recently been white. I don't know what to do and I'm starting to worry. Is there anything I can do without taking her to a vet?

 

[Sharifc]

Update: She has unfortunately passed. She’s had 2 seizures and the second one took her life. Thank you for all of your help, and please do feel free to keep updating this incase anyone else has to go through it.

 

[Miss Lydia]

How old is this duckling?
what are you feeding them including treats?
Are they on supplemental niacin?
is she able to walk? any turned in feet or bow leggedness?
Panting can mean over heated or pain.
Have they been outside foraging anyplace where they may have gotten i nto anything toxic?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Since we're not vets we have to do elimination to figure out what is going on. Did you know Niacin deficiency can literally kill them? If not treated.

And since she isn't eating your going to have to start with Liquid B Complex it will treat niacin deficiency and the other B's will help her get her appetite back. Since your saying she is walking slow and her legs are turned in i would def get her started on the Liquid B Complex ASAP. Sometimes they will start responding in less than 3 days. depending on how long it's been going on. This will give you info and how to treat.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/niacin-deficiency-in-waterfowl.1367557/
using the liquid b complex get a 1 ml syringe and start with putting drop by drop right inside the bill make sure she swallows. You just have to be careful not to shoot it into their mouth so they don't aspirate.
It could be something else even an infection but the only way I know to find out is to eliminate. If you have any antibiotics laying around let us know what they are.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I'd get the liquid B Complex what you want to treat any niacin deficiency the poultry cell will help support her while recovering.

 

[Mallards and Quail]

@Miss Lydia gave you the best answer. Also, b 12 doesn't have as many vitamins as b complex, so although it may work it isn't the best option. Although if it is all you have available it may be worth a shot.

 

[Sharifc]

@Miss Lydia gave you the best answer. Also, b 12 doesn't have as many vitamins as b complex, so although it may work it isn't the best option. Although if it is all you have available it may be worth a shot.

I’m in the car right now (not the one driving), is it worth it for me to go to the tractor supply location farther away that has the liquid B complex or should I head home now and administer it. It doesn’t look like she has long left. Also Blue Pearl said they would take her vitals for free, is that something I should do?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I am so sorry

 

[New duck mommy 2021]

Update: She has unfortunately passed. She’s had 2 seizures and the second one took her life. Thank you for all of your help, and please do feel free to keep updating this incase anyone else has to go through it.

I am very sorry
I had a pekin that went quickly around 6 months
They found a penny in her stomach
They dig and we don’t always have control over what they find or even know till it’s 2 late
It’s very possible she got into something from the ground

 

[Miss Lydia]

Amoxycline is a good one to have on hand.
Rooster booster "Poultry Cell" very good reviews.

AMOXICILLIN: A good “all purpose” antibiotic that is compatible with many other antibiotics. Amoxicillin is good for wounds of the flesh. It is best used as a *preventative* antibiotic, given before an infection is present. It can be used to treat actual infections that develop, but there are better choices. It comes in capsule form and injectable. Both work well. The oral dosage for Amoxicillin is 5 mg per pound given every 12 hours. The injectable dosage is 4 mg per pound given IM every 12 hours. You can easily obtain the oral version of this drug, labeled for fish, in a product called "Fish-Mox"
Baytril seems to be the go to antibiotic most of us keep on hand it can be ordered from
https://allbirdproducts.com/products/baytril-10

starting in June we will not be able to order antibiotics online or buy them at TSC they are making it so we will have to have a prescription.