- Jun 9, 2014
- 6
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Had ducks last year that all died. We tried everything and eventually thought it was something in the barn. Assured by previous owner there was no poison, but maybe the leftover horse manure had mold or something? They held on for several weeks so botulism seems ruled out because its faster. But started hunching neck, eyes half closed, grew more tired and didnt move much. No other signs, vent fine, no eye discharge etc. They seemed to begin recovery after we moved them out of the barn, but not fully.
So this year we kept them out of the barn, but the same problem started about the same time. So we thought maybe since the spot was close to the barn there was the same stuff? So move far away from barn, but sick ones seemed to plateau, but then some super cold nights seemed to add to the situation and a few died. We also have a goose that has been with the ducks since we got them all as babies that seems to have a lame foot--like it hurts to walk on it, but there is nothing on the foot. The sick pekins have slowly gone downhill over 3-4 weeks. Tried epsom and charcoal, and havent seen any consistent progress, only a day or two randomly when they seem more perky then the previous day. There is only one khaki left from the 15 mix of rouens, pekins, and khakis we got originally this spring.
None of the typical diseases on forums seems to apply.
However I noticed this morning a weird discoloration on the pekin feet. There are some bright red veins on the webbing visible from the top, and brown spots on the bottom (pic attached--its not dirt). This one died with the "rattle" and bent his neck all the way back and kept his legs stuck out backwards as he lay.
We had hoped all would go well this year by being outside of the barn, but now we have no idea what the problem is.
Any ideas appreciated!
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