Sick Two Month Old Runner Duckling! Help!

[Sydney Hall]

About 2 months ago, I got 5 day old ducklings. I ordered them and shipping took longer than expected and the male runner duck I ordered wasn’t doing well. I had to force him to drink water and he needed extra care for a couple of days. Since then, everyone has been happy and healthy until today. This morning, he was completely fine. Around lunch he seemed less lively than the others. This evening he was laying on his side and wouldn’t get up even when I gave them treats.

I removed him from the rest of the flock and have been letting him rest and swim as he pleases for the past couple of hours but he isn’t eating. His poop is completely white.

I live in Georgia and it was really hot today but they are completely shaded with plenty of ventilation and have constant access to clean water. Could it still be heat stress?

None of my other ducks have any symptoms. I think he’s doing a bit better now but it’s hard to tell.

Any advice is helpful. Thank you in advance!

 

[C Siena]

About 2 months ago, I got 5 day old ducklings. I ordered them and shipping took longer than expected and the male runner duck I ordered wasn’t doing well. I had to force him to drink water and he needed extra care for a couple of days. Since then, everyone has been happy and healthy until today. This morning, he was completely fine. Around lunch he seemed less lively than the others. This evening he was laying on his side and wouldn’t get up even when I gave them treats.

I removed him from the rest of the flock and have been letting him rest and swim as he pleases for the past couple of hours but he isn’t eating. His poop is completely white.

I live in Georgia and it was really hot today but they are completely shaded with plenty of ventilation and have constant access to clean water. Could it still be heat stress?

None of my other ducks have any symptoms. I think he’s doing a bit better now but it’s hard to tell.

Any advice is helpful. Thank you in advance!

I'm sorry but I do not know about ducks and I know you are new. I am going to try to "report" your post and ask an administrator or moderator to move it to either the Emergency or Duck Forum.

 

[C Siena]

@N F C You are The Best!! Thank you!

@Sydney Hall you post has been moved to emergency.

 

[Sydney Hall]

I'm sorry but I do not know about ducks and I know you are new. I am going to try to "report" your post and ask an administrator or moderator to move it to either the Emergency or Duck Forum.

Thank you! I got logged out of my email account that I used for my first account and had to make this one ASAP because it’s sort of an emergency.

 

[C Siena]

Thank you! I got logged out of my email account that I used for my first account and had to make this one ASAP because it’s sort of an emergency.

Let me check who is proficient in duck care and I will try to tag them for you.

 

[C Siena]

I'm asking @Jenbirdee @BoundlessLove @ruthhope to assist here and though I do not know you, will you tag other duck owners who might be able to help.

 

[C Siena]

Thank you! I got logged out of my email account that I used for my first account and had to make this one ASAP because it’s sort of an emergency.

Me again. I tagged a few members but realize they may not receive the notice right away. I understand it is hard to wait when you are concerned about a little one, but give the members a little time to respond.

 

[BoundlessLove]

With the white poop, it may be kidneys. Has the duck in question been drinking enough water?
I would give it electrolytes and see if that helps.
1 part Gatorade/Pedialyte/Powerade to 9 parts water. See if you can get it to drink this several times a day and see if that helps.

 

[C Siena]

With the white poop, it may be kidneys. Has the duck in question been drinking enough water?
I would give it electrolytes and see if that helps.
1 part Gatorade/Pedialyte/Powerade to 9 parts water. See if you can get it to drink this several times a day and see if that helps.

Thank you so much.

 

[ruthhope]

Thank you so much.

White poop just means that it is urates nor food waste. Urates are produced by the kidneys and excreted into the poo as ducks dont pee.

I don't know what is going on with your duckling but the best management is supportive care. I agree to the suggestion that you substitute oral rehydration solution for drinking water. Buy Pedialyte at your local pharmacy or supermarket pharmacy shelves. Best flavorless solution in bottles (i can only get that at my local Walmart) but grape flavor isnt full of nasty red coloring like the other flavors. Alternatively, buy sachets of the salts and make up your own solution.

Keep you boy somewhere cool, out of the sun. And quiet. I bring sick ducks into the house and keep them in a dog crate or pet carrier depending on how sick they are. Cover three sides and the top with an old sheet or similar fabric to reduce drafts and noise. Tempt the duckling with defrosted frozen peas, or finely chopped water-melon, or mealworms. Offer just a few every hour or so but have their regular crumbles/pellets available all the time. I add nutritional yeast to the crumbles (1 tablespoon for every cup of feed) as ducklings need a lot of Vit B3 niacin when they are growing, and more when they are ill. You can buy that at your supermarket (Walmart's own brand is cheapest) or health food store.

Let us know if there are any develooments