problem with juvenile Rouen ending up on back...

[Quackers]

Hi,

I am fairly new to the duck keeping world, being the owner of two young Rouen ducks (one is 5 weeks old, the other 6 weeks old). We have a problem with the older duck in that we sometimes find him on his back. This must be extremely stressful for him, although sometimes he can flip himself back over. He eats and drinks well, walks and swims fine and generally seems healthy. He has the same diet as the other duck, who has never displayed this problem. We do check on him constantly to make sure he is upright! I would be grateful for any advice on this problem - I haven't been able to find anything similar on the internet. Many thanks.

 

[BjsBestGirl]

I too have two Rouen Juvenile ducklings. I havnt had a problem with then filpping themselves over, but when they scurry away from me they can flip over. since their wings are so small, it is hard to get back on their belly. maybe something is scaring them and they "fall" over.

 

[duckyfromoz]

Last year I ended up with a duckling from shipped eggs that was vitamin deficient. It often flipped over onto its back- especially when drinking water. Although it is more often seen with ducklings just hatched - it does occur in older ducklings - and often singular ducklings where no others in the brood group show symptoms. You could try giving the duck some multi vitamin powder mixed into the feed or water and see if any improvement is made.

 

[Quackers]

Thanks for the advice, folks. It could be a bit of both situations. This particular duckling didn't get a very good start in life and is particularly sketchy and nervous. Also, although I know there was the correct food around, it was kept in a lidded box for its first four weeks with a bunch of other ducklings (not all from the same brood) and the food situation was not well monitored. At least it's happy and clean now, with access to lots of fresh water (none in its initial raising box, can you believe - the owner just mixed water in with the mash!). I will try adding the supplements - is there a particularly good one that I should use?
Once again, thanks for your help!

 

[duckluck]

Brewer's yeast would be good, a pinch added in with the food.

 

[zatsdeb]

when I had chicks falling on their backs I called the hatchery and they said it was because they were too cold.. I wonder if the duck is cold? I have baby ducks in my house right now, and I did notice them falling over and I lowered the light, and covered the door at night to keep the heat in better, it seems to be helping. of course my duckies are just hatched out as of 6 days ago.. until they get their feathers though they can still chill.. especially if they get wet.