Runt having trouble pooping ):

[viennaproto]

Hey guys,
I have a call duckling who is much smaller than the others, about half the size. I gave them eggs and electrolytes when they first arrived. They are now on fresh water and crumble (that I made even smaller in the food processor),however, my little guy is having trouble going to the bathroom. It's like he is trying so hard to push but nothing comes out and then he gives up. Any advice? Should I feed him something different? I have heard epsom salt baths are good for constipated ducks but I have never done one for a duckling and am a little nervous of dehydration since he is so small.
Thank you for any input/advice!

 

[DuckyDonna]

@WVduckchick @Isaac 0 any ideas on this?

 

[Miss Lydia]

No pasty butt? Is he eating? drinking? do you have molasses? you could add some to their drinking water.

 

[viennaproto]

No pasty butt? Is he eating? drinking? do you have molasses? you could add some to their drinking water.

Nope no pasty butt, I made sure to wipe it just in case and put some neosporin but it didn't seem like it to me. Yes, he is running around like a mad man, eating and drinking! Let me check if I have some of that, if not I can run to the store. What does that do? Is that a laxative for ducklings?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Similar to Epsom salt but much tastier. And I'd say much easier on the tummy. It's used to flush out toxins also, you might want to put this little one in a smaller are in your brooder and that way you can really monitor the pooping. Just not sure how much to use on one so tiny.

 

[Miss Lydia]

The epsom salts would be easier to figure a dose.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/flushes-for-aiding-in-toxin-removal.700526/

 

[Miss Lydia]

Lets see if @casportpony is one she would be a good one to ask what to do.

Have you put them in to warm water yet. I'd try that with this little one usually as soon as their butt hits the water they poop might be a good way of finding out just how constipated he is. Just make sure to pat dry and right back under heat after.

 

[viennaproto]

Similar to Epsom salt but much tastier. And I'd say much easier on the tummy. It's used to flush out toxins also, you might want to put this little one in a smaller are in your brooder and that way you can really monitor the pooping. Just not sure how much to use on one so tiny.

Okay, I will do that thank you!

 

[casportpony]

Double and triple check the down around his vent and make sure it has no poop or urates.

 

[viennaproto]

Lets see if @casportpony is one she would be a good one to ask what to do.

Have you put them in to warm water yet. I'd try that with this little one usually as soon as their butt hits the water they poop might be a good way of finding out just how constipated he is. Just make sure to pat dry and right back under heat after.

Good idea!! No I haven't, I was nervous they would get stressed since they were shipped and so tiny, but I think they will be okay now. That is a great idea, Thanks!