Sick, weak duck, what is wrong, what treatment?

[Amiga]

I have a degrading indian runner named Turtle and am trying everything.
My question to everyone is that am I correct in understanding there is little to no understanding how to manage and treat domesticated ducks? I've read concerns about vets not knowing what to do and I've discovered most treatments are not labeled for ducks. Is this as significant a problem as I perceive to be? An important area with a severe lack of professionally recognized and research based knowledge? This, compounded by the sale of ducklings at big box feed stores makes for strong disease centers, misguided or ill informed caregivers, and not to mention heart-aching "parents".feedback would be greatly appreciated. Best to all of you struggling with an ill duck; I share in your frustration and concern.

There are good duck vets around, and I have even found a chicken vet who is able to help quite a bit with my ducks.

There is quite a bit of knowledge and understanding in managing and treating domestic ducks. One source I like for my own education is The Ultimate Pet Duck Guidebook. I have adopted from the rescue group whose director wrote the book - just wanted a full disclosure there.

There is a 200 page medical section in that book.

It is true that at this point in time, medications are often not labelled specifically for ducks. That makes it harder than it needs to be.

Where have you posted details about Turtle on BYC? I have not been online as much as usual and must have missed it.

Some things do need a vet's help. They have diagnostic equipment that we don't. Is there a waterfowl rehabber anywhere around you? Or agricultural college?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have a degrading indian runner named Turtle and am trying everything.
My question to everyone is that am I correct in understanding there is little to no understanding how to manage and treat domesticated ducks? I've read concerns about vets not knowing what to do and I've discovered most treatments are not labeled for ducks. Is this as significant a problem as I perceive to be? An important area with a severe lack of professionally recognized and research based knowledge? This, compounded by the sale of ducklings at big box feed stores makes for strong disease centers, misguided or ill informed caregivers, and not to mention heart-aching "parents".feedback would be greatly appreciated. Best to all of you struggling with an ill duck; I share in your frustration and concern.

Welcome to BYC @bigsuz23

Avian vet is always a good idea but if you don't have one maybe this will help
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...mergency-and-supportive-care-updated-1-3-2016

There are quite a few members who maybe able to help if you will give us details.

 

[Dalqueen]

HELP!!
My duck is a year old and this morning she's dragging not herself she's a runner and head is always up but not now I don't know if her neck is swollen or she just doesn't have the strength to hold it up so it just looks puffy? I can loose another animal I just lost my 8 week old goat lithos month. HELP

 

[Miss Lydia]

HELP!!
My duck is a year old and this morning she's dragging not herself she's a runner and head is always up but not now I don't know if her neck is swollen or she just doesn't have the strength to hold it up so it just looks puffy? I can loose another animal I just lost my 8 week old goat lithos month. HELP

@Dalqueen A few questions. when did she lay last? and could she have eaten anything toxic? She could be egg bound, have an infection or may have eaten something poisonious. You need to pick her up and examine her all over.

 

[Amiga]

If you can get a video or photo that might help.

You say she is dragging. Like moving slowly? What is the temperature where she sleeps at night? What is her feed? Water 24/7?

Drakes?

 

[Dalqueen]

She seems much better today I think she may have just strained her neck or my drake was a little to ruff when mateing

 

[Miss Lydia]

She seems much better today I think she may have just strained her neck or my drake was a little to ruff when mateing

Some drakes are really rough and can injure females if you find he is favoring her more than the others you might want to give her a couple -3 days of TLC away from him or give him some time out away from the girls. When I had 3 drakes one time I would put them up earlier than the girls so the girls could have pool time with out worrying a drake was going to jump on them. Thankfully never had a drake that was really rough on the girls but I would have put any of them in time out if they showed that tendency.

Glad to hear she is better today .

 

[Carterfamily15]

Hi my name is jaime and my boyfriend eric and I are new at all this. Yal have been so very helpful since we got our two ducks and 5 chicks a few weeks before Easter. I am coming to yal for some help today. My ducks have been doing very well. They are SO big and we just couldn't believe how fast they grew. I did the test & found out we have one male & one female duck. They've been doing so well & so healthy until today. I noticed my male who has always been smaller wasn't doing well today. I have tried to find answers all day but no luck. I have been babying him trying to make him comfortable and feel better. He can not stand on his feet or walk. He slumps over to the side or his back. He has been opening his mouth sticking his tongue up weird. I can get him to drink but he isn't wanting to eat. Can someone please help me help him? He's become one of my babies! Thank you so very much!

 

[2dancingrats]

My 8 year old Indian Runner is suddenly wobbly and falling down. How do you do the epsom salt treatment? I had two, the other became listless about 2 weeks ago and died the next day. This one seemed like he was doing fine. Please help. My heart is breaking. Thank you.

 

[Amiga]

It may be a virus, but it may be botulism.

Here is the treatment some use for botulism.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/700526/flushes-for-aiding-in-toxin-removal#post_9508213