Sick Duck

[Hamster89]

Hi, I'm new to owning ducks. I have a Peking duck that's almost 2 months old. She recently stopped walking. I immediately started niacin drops and also brewers yeasts. I checked her over for injury but found none. She eats and drinks but its little. She also isn't lifting her head now. She did have a very hot beak for a few days but it seems back to normal. But she still isn't moving around at all. Oh and she lives on a farm pond with 4 other ducks but the other ducks seem fine. She is currently in a dog crate to protect her from predators. Any idea what may be going on?

 

[Quatie]

There are several things that could be going on. A vet would be best to access the situation if possible.

I would double check the legs for any areas that feel warm or look swollen. It doesn't sound like a leg injury, but it is always good to double check.

It could be it ate something toxic if it is free ranging. Toxins are treated with activated charcoal.

Another possibility is botulism, if it ate any decaying fish or bad feed. I lean towards decaying fish if you have a pond. This is tested with antibiotics and can take some time to heal from if the birds doesn't die. You may be able to get antibiotics from your local TSC if you can't see a vet. You can also get antibiotics online
https://allbirdproducts.com/products/enrofloxacin-10

I would weigh your duck and keep an eye on it. If it's weight drops too low you will want to tube feed your duck. You may want to even consider it now if it is not eating and drinking much. They can deteriorate rather quickly and often die of dehydration if they stop eating and drinking.

Here is a link on tube feeding. I would get the supplies and have them on hand in case you need to resort to tube feeding.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ng-guide-pictures-under-construction.1064392/

@Miss Lydia any other thoughts?

 

[Miss Lydia]

@Hamster89 what do you feed your ducklings?
If there is a possibility she ate something toxic here is the info on how to do a flush.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/flushes-for-aiding-in-toxin-removal.700526/
have you ever supplemented your ducks with niacin Pekins are one of the large breeds that can have a niacin deficiency and it can come on fast and it will cause lameness and even death if not treated.
Info on how to treat.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/niacin-deficiency-in-waterfowl.1367557/
of course we can't know what is actually going on [since we aren't vets] hopefully it's something that can be treated and she will fully recover. Always a vet is the best option but we do know it's not always an option.
She needs to be brought inside so she doesn't chill and can be monitored on how she is eating and drinking and pooping. If you can get a video here so we can see how she is that would be great. Also pictures. Is she having trouble breathing is there discharge coming from her nares or eyes?
Not being able to lift her head or walk does sound like a toxin so try a flush first. We recommend the Activated charcoal, it can be bought at most stores that carry antacids that is where you'd find it. I hope you can help her. Please let us know how she is.
And wish it was under better circumstances but