SICK DUCKLING- URGENT

[HamsHen50]

I’ve just gone out to him and let him go for a swim. He’s much happier when swimming alone and he will race around the pool. He did a couple of poops and they were liquid (probably just bc he was swimming). He was much more energetic this arvo

 

[Sondraa]

I would still give the extra niacin as suggested. It can't hurt. Just a bit worried about inconsistent energy levels. Just treated one of mine. Caught it early so no perm damage.

It is strange that his skin is showing thru. If he is being picked on, the back of the neck is where you most often see feather/fluff missing. Would explain being happier on his own. That is almost never the case.

 

[HamsHen50]

I have just gone out to check on him and he’s died. All the others are okay. I’m almost happy he died… it give the others more of a chance of survival

 

[Sondraa]

Poor little guy. Well I am happy he had a joyous swim on one of his last days. You were amazing with him. I hope you are okay. I wish we could always know why....

 

[HamsHen50]

Yes, I am fine. I’ve felt with my fair share of runts and sickness. It’s almost like he gave up his life for 18 new ones. I’m hoping that the other ducklings will let me take them for a swim .

 

[HamsHen50]

This is the new Guinea mum and her beautiful keets.

 

[Sondraa]

Do you raise Guinea's for eggs, meat or company?

 

[Sondraa]

She has beautiful markings! The keets are rounder than ducklings. *Cute factor

 

[FowlProtector]

It sounds like your Ancona mix duckling is dealing with some distress, and the symptoms you're describing—skin showing on the back of the neck and under the jaw, hiding, and not eating or drinking—are concerning.
There could be a few possible causes for the skin issue and the behavioral changes:

1. Pecking injuries: Even though you mentioned the other ducklings aren’t aggressive, it’s still possible that the larger, older duckling might be accidentally pecking or bullying the smaller one, especially around the neck area. Ducklings can be curious and may target areas like the neck if they’re feeling threatened or trying to assert dominance, which can result in skin abrasions.
2. Mites or parasites: Skin showing could also be a sign of mite or parasite infestation. Mites can cause itching and discomfort, leading to the duckling trying to hide away or be more lethargic. Check for any signs of mites or unusual skin conditions around the neck and under the jaw.
3. Stress or injury: If the duckling was once at the top of the pecking order and now appears scared and withdrawn, it could be experiencing stress or a mild injury that is causing discomfort, making him avoid eating and drinking. The neck area is a vulnerable spot, so an injury there might lead to reluctance in moving or eating.
4. Health Issues: It’s also possible that a health issue unrelated to physical injuries could be affecting this duckling. Respiratory or digestive problems can lead to lethargy and changes in behavior.

Since the duckling is showing signs of distress, it's a good idea to separate him from the others temporarily, monitor him closely, and check for any signs of injury or illness more thoroughly. You could also consider checking the other ducklings to make sure they’re not showing signs of illness, and possibly consult with a vet if things don’t improve.
Have you noticed any other symptoms like discharge, lethargy, or any change in his droppings? This might help narrow down the cause further.

 

[FowlProtector]

Here are some tips to help you care for your sick Ancona mix duckling and potentially improve its condition:

1. Isolate the Duckling:
   • Separate the sick duckling from the others so it can rest without being bullied or stressed by the others.
   • Provide a quiet, comfortable space with bedding (straw or hay) to help it feel secure and less stressed.
2. Check for Injuries:
   • Gently examine the area where the skin is showing (neck and under the jaw). Look for any cuts, abrasions, or signs of pecking.
   • If you find any cuts or scrapes, you can clean them with a mild antiseptic solution (like iodine or saline) and apply a gentle ointment designed for birds. Avoid anything toxic like petroleum-based products.
3. Offer Supportive Care:
   • Hydration: Make sure the duckling has easy access to fresh water at all times. If it’s not drinking, you can try offering water with electrolytes or some vitamin supplements, which could help boost its energy and encourage drinking.
   • Food: Offer softer food like moistened duck feed, mash, or chopped vegetables. This can make it easier for the duckling to eat if it’s feeling weak or unwell.
4. Monitor Temperature:
   • Ensure that the heat lamp is positioned well, so the duckling has access to warmth but not excessive heat. Too much fluctuation in temperature can stress them out, especially when they are sick or weak.
   • Keep an eye on how the other ducklings are responding to the heat to make sure it’s comfortable for everyone.
5. Prevent Pecking:
   • You might want to temporarily put the duckling in a safe space where the others can’t get to it, preventing any more potential pecking or bullying.
   • Consider using a separate pen for the isolated duckling, especially if the others seem to be harassing it.
6. Check for Parasites or Illness:
   • Inspect the duckling for signs of mites, lice, or other external parasites. Look for scabs, redness, or irregular skin conditions.
   • If you notice signs of respiratory issues (rattly breathing, discharge from the eyes or nose), that could suggest an infection, and you may need to consult with a vet for treatment.
7. Observe Behavior:
   • Keep track of the duckling’s eating, drinking, and overall behavior. If it starts to show improvement in eating or drinking, that’s a positive sign.
   • If the duckling continues to be lethargic or stops eating/drinking altogether, it could indicate a more serious health problem that requires veterinary attention.

Sometimes, it takes a little extra time for ducklings to recover, but by providing a calm, safe space and addressing any potential causes like bullying or health issues, you can help your duckling get back to its normal self. Keep a close eye on it and try to limit stressors.