Rescued Duckling wont eat~ What to try? Help

[bantymum]

Hi all,
I have a wild duckling given to me by the wildlife rescue here who is about 2 days old. He had a sibling who died overnight.
He is a fiesty little guy who goes for me so im thinking he is a little drake, anyway, I cant get him to eat.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, also can you syringe feed a duckling? or is it as risky due to aspiration issues?
Im hoping some duck peole can help here.
Thanks
Helen
Ps Foods Ive tried:
Turkey starter Dry
Turkey starter Moist
Oatmeal porridge
Bread bits in water
Chopped grass in water.

 

[bheila]

Is he drinking water? If he's at least drinking water then you could throw in some crumble/mash in his water. Not sure what else to suggest. I've never had any of my ducks not eat.

 

[bantymum]

Hi thanks, Yes ive tried that too, Ive also never had a problem like this, i got some rescues in last month at the same age and there were 7 of them, they ate really well, it may be that he is depressed, Ill keep trying, i have put a fluffy toy in there with him, he is on a heat pad in the feathered nest that i made , poor little guy I feel so bad for him that he is alone.

 

[bheila]

That was the other thing I was thinking about, was him being lonely. They become so attached to people too. I just hatched 18 ducks last week and everytime I open the brooder door every single duck comes running for me just talking away. All of the chicks just stay where they are and ignore me. Too bad you couldn't maybe find him a friend. Who knows maybe that would make a difference. Best of luck.

 

[bantymum]

Thankkyou, Ill try a little mirror though it wont be fluffy!

 

[spook]

At one point someone had a rescue duck/goose and they placed sprigs of fresh cut grass in the water. Not a lot, 5-6 of them and it perked the little bugger up. Maybe this could help out. Also, is it swimming at all? Perhaps some grass in a basin of water, maybe in water it would drink and get interest in sozzling. Good luck!!!

 

[birdnutz]

You can't really syringe feed per say. You can dribble a little into a nostril hole to help hydrate him. Try to make a slurry of his food in the water and put him in a really quiet area. Do you have maybe a baby chick or another duckling that you can put with him? Hopefully Terrilacey sees this and can help you more. Maybe you should PM him.

 

[bantymum]

He loves the water tray which he stands in and snozzles around in, Ill go and buy some frozen corn and peas now, i wish i had another ducling to put with him!!
Thankyou.
Ps Usually Terrie jumps in with these queries and ill wait for her advice too, thanks

 

[pips&peeps]

Try putting some small pieces of grass in the water.

 

[bantymum]

Yep, ive put tiny pieces of chopped grass in one shallow water dish, He was looking really sad and looked like he was going to give up so I moved his house which is a large rectangle bird cage.
I moved this down to where the other ducklings are so he could watch them. He has a new lease of life, though I cant let him go in with them unfortunately as they will kill him, Theres a baby drake in there who rushes at him through the wire!
Hes certainly perked up and ive given the older ducklings the same corn and mushy peas mash so the little one can watch them tuck in to it and hopefully do the same.
Ill keep you posted,
Thankyou for your advice everyone.