Runner can't lay egg or is a rubber egg!

[Phillisdiller]

Yes calcium gluconate if she is only drinking water try a small bowl of tepid water with the cal glu in it. If she likes thawed peas you can offer it over a small amount and get it into her that way. My lil Runner was off one day and I became worried since she was standing off by herself which if anyone has Runners knows they like to do all things together. It took her half a day to lay that rubber egg afterwards she was back to her old self and hasn’t laid one since. I can sure understand your stress though. You say you offer crushed egg shells and grit what about oyster shell? That is where they get their needed calcium when laying but even then sometimes they need extra. What are you feeding them? I know the feeling of helplessness when there isn’t a vet to look at our birds but we have to do the best we can and sometimes that is enough so get to TSC and get the calcium gluconate and start there. Hopefully that will help get those eggs back with hard shells so she can lay normal. Always a chance something else is going on too but to be having this problem this long makes me wonder about infection I don’t think she’d still be with you. Don’t worry about her dying of fright if you pick her up mine don’t like it either but once I pick them up they are docile. Place her in a tub of nice warm water let her float around in it warmth makes for relaxation cold causes us to stiffen up our muscles, we want her relaxed. I walk my Runner into their house and pick them up once in there it is still stressful for them but easier for both of us.

Thank you very much! I have also tried oyster grit but she won't eat it. I seem to have a very picky little friend! Could giving too many peas cause this? They get some every evening as a treat before bed. I also include corn.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Peas are fine and depends on how much corn small amount wouldn’t hurt as long as it isn’t interfering with her eating the layer the most. Or maybe for a while don’t offer corn until the egg laying gets resolved. A lot of folks freak out about feeding corn but I say moderation is fine mine get it in fall and winter mixed in with their 6 way scratch. But maybe hold off on the corn for now . Main thing is getting the calcium gluconate or citrate into her. How does she look over all does she have strong legs no shaking wobbly when walking or standing ? Feathers in good shape?

 

[007Sean]

Thank you! Vitamin D? How or what can I give her for that? Is layer crumble enough or right for ducks as it is for chickens?

The need for Vit D depends upon the ratio of calcium to phosphorous. The need for Vit D is increased in ducks by the lack of calcium or phosphorus by the improper ratios of these minerals in their diet. Good old sunshine is the best way for them to get their Vit D. If kepted inside or under cloudy conditions, they may not get enough sun to get the required amount. Alot of layer feeds don't contain the required levels for a optimum nutritional diet. Mazuri feed does have the recommended levels in their feed.
Recommended dosage is 200 IU/kg
You can get regular human consumption Vit D3 at Walmart, Walgreens, GNC, etc. Both forms capsulated pills or gel form can be given orally. If using capsulated form, it can be crushed up and added to the feed as well but there's a chance it won't all get eaten for optimum effect.
.

 

[Phillisdiller]

Peas are fine and depends on how much corn small amount wouldn’t hurt as long as it isn’t interfering with her eating the layer the most. Or maybe for a while don’t offer corn until the egg laying gets resolved. A lot of folks freak out about feeding corn but I say moderation is fine mine get it in fall and winter mixed in with their 6 way scratch. But maybe hold off on the corn for now . Main thing is getting the calcium gluconate or citrate into her. How does she look over all does she have strong legs no shaking wobbly when walking or standing ? Feathers in good shape?

She looks great! Though she was a chocolate color when I got her and now she has a white head and speckled white body! When she is not trying to lay an egg, she acts completely normal. She is active and alert. It's just when she tries to lay an egg is when she won't move much or eat.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Same with mine I have 2 blk and a blue getting white speckled now they were two this past April. That’s good to hear she acts fine other than the egg laying hopefully the Extda calcium will help with that. I’d love to see a pic of Phyllis Diller and CarolAnn. I love Runners.

 

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

I’m sorry that you are going through this with CarolAnne! I have an almost 3 yr. old Rouen with similar issues, although she can go for stretches where she seems ok. Her symptoms only started this fall when the weather started changing. On her bad days, I worry that she isn’t going to make it through. On her good days, she is 100% normal.

I brought her to the vet in the beginning and am anxiously waiting for her recheck appointment. They did not think she had an infection at the time, and that stress from the sudden changes in weather and the decreasing daylight hours could be contributing, although the vet did say that reproductive problems are common in aging birds that have been bred for maximum egg production. I’ve been treating her with wam baths and oral calcium gluconate when she has flare-ups. I did have some very helpful suggestions from other members in my thread “reproductive illness”.

Salpingitis and cancer have been mentioned as possible diagnoses for Daphne (cancer seems unlikely in Daphne’s case as her symptoms are more of a reoccurring type rather than degenerative).

Definitely look up “egg yolk peritonitis” as it is one of the most dangerous possibilities that require instant action.

Please keep us updated on CarolAnnes condition. I wish her the best.

 

[Phillisdiller]

The need for Vit D depends upon the ratio of calcium to phosphorous. The need for Vit D is increased in ducks by the lack of calcium or phosphorus by the improper ratios of these minerals in their diet.
Recommended dosage is 200 IU/kg
You can get regular human consumption Vit D3 at Walmart, Walgreens, GNC, etc. Both forms capsulated pills or gel form can be given orally. If using capsulated form, it can be crushed up and added to the feed as well but there's a chance it won't all get eaten for optimum effect.
.

Wow! Ok! I never realized what it took to care for ducks! I rescued them from a place they would have never survived in, and know so little about the proper care when things go wrong!! Thank you!!!

 

[happy duck]

Let us know how she does....I have never heard about this before and have no idea what to do so....I will be following!

 

[Phillisdiller]

I’m sorry that you are going through this with CarolAnne! I have an almost 3 yr. old Rouen with similar issues, although she can go for stretches where she seems ok. Her symptoms only started this fall when the weather started changing. On her bad days, I worry that she isn’t going to make it through. On her good days, she is 100% normal.

I brought her to the vet in the beginning and am anxiously waiting for her recheck appointment. They did not think she had an infection at the time, and that stress from the sudden changes in weather and the decreasing daylight hours could be contributing, although the vet did say that reproductive problems are common in aging birds that have been bred for maximum egg production. I’ve been treating her with wam baths and oral calcium gluconate when she has flare-ups. I did have some very helpful suggestions from other members in my thread “reproductive illness”.

Salpingitis and cancer have been mentioned as possible diagnoses for Daphne (cancer seems unlikely in Daphne’s case as her symptoms are more of a reoccurring type rather than degenerative).

Definitely look up “egg yolk peritonitis” as it is one of the most dangerous possibilities that require instant action.

Please keep us updated on CarolAnnes condition. I wish her the best.

Thank you, I will. She is I believe 3 1/2 years old. I was told she was 6 months when I rescued her. The past 2 years have been hard on her and my worry level is right there with her!

 

[Phillisdiller]

Let us know how she does....I have never heard about this before and have no idea what to do so....I will be following!

Thank you! I know nothing myself so I guess we both may learn something!!