Sickly duck at local produce store...

[SampyArctica]

Apparently it's not for sale because the plummage hasn't come out yet. Sounds like bullcrap to me. It's a Muscovy and only a couple of months old. Argh! I want it out of here, but she was extremely adamant that it's not for sale.

Thanks so much for all your help guys. Really. I suggested having some more water in there and was told Muscovy's don't really like water. I'm not sure what else to do. :/

 

[Miss Lydia]

Apparently it's not for sale because the plummage hasn't come out yet. Sounds like bullcrap to me. It's a Muscovy and only a couple of months old. Argh! I want it out of here, but she was extremely adamant that it's not for sale.

Thanks so much for all your help guys. Really. I suggested having some more water in there and was told Muscovy's don't really like water. I'm not sure what else to do.

Can you report them anyone seeing that duckling would know it isn't being taken care of.

 

[subhanalah]

simply explain to them that the lack of water to wash her head is killing her.offer to take the bird for free or you will pay if they won't just give her to you outright.

 

[Amiga]

Muscovies most certainly do want water.

 

[Amiga]

This is from

http://theselfsufficientgardener.com/muscovy-ducks-a-comprehensive-guide

(sadly, the first few paragraphs are about using them for meat, but here is the care instruction)
Care

Like all animals, Muscovies require clean water, however, Muscovies require much less water than other ducks. A children’s “kiddie pool” is sufficient and a smaller feeding trough would work as well. In Winter, I use a rubber pet bowl that I can step on to remove the ice. Muscovies only need enough water to submerge their nostrils. Muscovies would, however, welcome deeper water to swim in. Like all ducks, Muscovies are messy and tend to slosh water and foul it. A kiddie pool should be changed at least once a week, if not sooner. The fouled water is rich in nutrients and excellent for irrigating plants.
Muscovies should be fed a protein rich crumbles or pellets. It is absolutely essential that the feed be free of any medications. Younger ducklings should be started on crumbles and not given any whole grains until they are one month old. The ducks should also be given grit to enable their gizzard to grind the food. Greens should make up 1/3 of the diet. I let my Muscovies free range, so I only give them enough commercial feed to keep them coming back at night. You should keep them out of the garden and away from vulnerable plants, however. I hope one day to get away from commercial feed. I also give them table scraps. When writing this article, I read about Muscovy owners who set out solar LED lights to attract flying insects solely to feed their ducks.[v] (Gotta try that!) Every evening, they see me and run towards me. They are like puppies, looking happy and wagging their tails! I then put a pail with a small amount of feed in their pen, the Muscovies run inside, and I close the door. In this regard, they are much, much easier than chickens. The following morning, I let them all out for water. I can’t keep the water inside or it would make a huge mess. One thing to be ware of is that Muscovies do not fear vehicles. Several times, I have heard cars honking at the clueless ducks- just standing in the road! I am lucky that I do not have canard à la presse![vi]
Ducks are covered in an insulating layer of down, but their feet are still vulnerable to the cold. Their pen should have a thick layer of clean, dry straw or wood shavings to protect their feet. In the summer, ducks will need water and shade. Clean water, sanitation and space, along with good nutrition are essential to the health of any animal. Muscovies are much hardier than chickens and more resistant to disease.

…………..

from
http://journeytoforever.org/farm_poultry.html

Muscovies are unique, the only domestic ducks that aren't derived from mallards. They come from South America and they're tree birds rather than water birds. So they don't need a pond to swim in (they do need water, but a large basin will do). And they fly. They're bigger and heavier than other ducks, and flying gives them large and powerful breast muscles, and strong, meaty legs. Muscovy breast looks like a fair-sized steak, you wouldn't guess it was duck.

 

[subhanalah]

Muscovies most certainly do want water.

NEED

 

[subhanalah]

What's their phone number? I'll! Call and give em what for.

 

[Dianne1928]

You might tell them you will be taking those pictures to the local news stations. Call someone like the animal cops in huston! Maby the humane society. Call the cops. Dont let them get by with that bull xxxx. Darn it i hate some people! They don't have a clue, and stand there in their smug sence of athority! Give them hell, just dont get arrested yourself. Oh yea call those peta people. They need somthing elce to do other than wondering if people should not eat fish!

 

[Amiga]

Praying for your strength and guidance.

 

[SampyArctica]

I've already left, but I'm seething. "It's young and that's why it looks scruffy. We won't be selling it until it's old enough for its plummage to come out properly." More like it's unhealthy and we can't sell it or we might be blamed for its death since you probably don't know anything about ducks". Which, granted, I don't, but that doesn't mean I'm any less aware of what's wrong thanks to you guys here. Arghhh! I'll be sending them another message. I don't want to give the name of the store or their number (well, I DO, but can't) as I may get in trouble for slander, but I most certainly will do my best not to let this issue drop.

I will include all information that has been provided to me here, I really can't thank you all enough for your support and help!