/ Register

  1. If this is your first time on BYC, we suggest you start with one of these three options:
    Raising Chickens Chicken Coops Join BYC
    If you're already a member of our community, click here to login & click here to learn what's new!

Seizure or startled duckling?

Discussion in 'Ducks' started by krebolo125, May 19, 2011.

Most Liked Posts
  1. May 19, 2011 #1
    krebolo125

    krebolo125 Out Of The Brooder

    28
    0
    32
    Apr 25, 2011
    I have almost 3 week old Cayuga ducklings. This is my first time having ducks and we are keeping them in our bath tub with hay etc... I went in last night or morning around 2am and they saw mw and three started to run around a little nervous like I scared them and then one started flailinf on her side in circles and then ended up on her back just lying there!!? I picked her up and she slowly snapped out of it and has been fine since. Did I just startle her and is this a defense behavior or a possible seizure??

    Thanks for your help!!
     
  3. May 19, 2011 #2
    NYRIR

    NYRIR Chillin' With My Peeps

    3,079
    18
    218
    May 13, 2010
    Petersburg,NY
    Hi,
    Not sure what that was but I know with ducklings and ducks...always announce yourself first in a calm voice.Call out to them before you open the door so they know you're coming.Ducks are extremely sensitive to sudden movements and loud noises. I myself have 3 cayugas and they were very scared as ducklings.Now they're a bit better but they are outside and a year old [​IMG] Good luck with your babies [​IMG]
     
  5. May 20, 2011 #3
    DurhamDuck

    DurhamDuck Chillin' With My Peeps

    413
    12
    121
    Mar 26, 2011
    Durham, Connecticut
    Before I open the door to the duck barn I always call out to them and start talking to them so that they do not startle. This will ensure that your ducks don't grow up to fear you. I don't know about the 'fainting' your duck did, but it was probably because it's heart was beating so fast in fear from the startle it had.
     
  7. May 28, 2011 #4
    krebolo125

    krebolo125 Out Of The Brooder

    28
    0
    32
    Apr 25, 2011
    Ok, thanks for the advice!!
     

BackYard Chickens is proudly sponsored by