Recurring Sickness in Ducks

[BrynZ]

Hi there! First time poster here

I've had Pekins and Indian Runners for a number of years without any problems, but I've lost three (1 Pekin and 2 IR) over the past three months. One by one-- and all about a month apart-- the ducks would start flopping with their wings instead of walking/walking slowly and sometimes laying their heads down on the ground. I've tried quarantined them, and one made it! The others didn't, and now another is showing signs of the same thing.

I read on here that activated charcoal helped keep toxins at bay, so they've been getting that in their water. But I don't know what else it could be. They're in a penned area that has both grass and dirt, they have a kiddie pool that's kept fresh, and they sleep in a coop with pine chips. They eat pellets and worms, and I don't think there are any plants back there that are toxic to ducks.

They haven't laid in 5 months, and I'm afraid I'm just going to keep losing them

Any ideas what it could be?

 

[Cayuga momma]

Welcome !
I would stop the charcoal in their water. Too much for too long can cause vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea.
Can you post pics or a video?
Posting a video you first have to upload it to YouTube or Vimeo and then attach the link.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Welcome to BYC. Sure sounds like a toxin the way you describe their symptoms but if their isn’t anything in their pen that is toxic maybe not . Have you looked over the area for something that could be making them sick or metal of any kind that might be in there? How old and how are they now that you started the charcoal? Very sorry for your loss.

 

[BrynZ]

Thank you both! They are only a year and half old. I haven't noticed any difference since adding the charcoal. Their pen is made of chicken wire, but there's no metal on the ground they could ingest...

Here's a video:

 

[Cayuga momma]

Awe poor duckies. Maybe @chickens really, @Texas Kiki, @casportpony can help

 

[Miss Lydia]

It could be a disease how many ducks do you have total? And how many have come down with this sickness.

 

[casportpony]

Welcome to BYC, so very sorry for your losses. the one you posted the video of, can you post a picture of it's poop too?

 

[happy duck]

Poor ducks. I would start by adding electrolytes to there water...is a vet an option. You really are going to need antibiotics.

 

[chickens really]

That sounds like hepatitis or something else. A disease is in your Ducks so tests should be done on a dead bird.