Skinnny duck... Any suggestions?

[Tivona]

I was noticing that one of my best layers is a bit thin. She is very healthy acting, alert, running, quacking, digging in the compost for worms, etc. I think its due to the cold weather (she really needs to molt, she has scraggly feathers from not molting since late spring) and her non-stop laying that is causing her to lose the weight. I have been watching her for the last couple of weeks and she really does seem to be in fine health except her weight.

I have food available 24/7 of layer pellets and another dish of waterfowl. Also grit and oyster shell available. I throw in about a half cup of BOSS at bedtime for all 11 ducks. They all free range during the day.

Seeing as everyone else is doing fine what would you suggest? She is a sweetie and it would be simple to give her something without the other getting it. More BOSS? Cat food? Calf manna? I have never used it for ducks before but would it help out here? Anything else to help her put on some weight?

 

[Kevin565]

I'd suggest wet dog food and electrolytes

 

[Tivona]

Anything in particular to look for in dog food when giving it to a duck? Also how much moist kibble per day would you suggest?

 

[Kevin565]

A good protein and fat %. How much does she weigh and how underweight is she?

 

[Tivona]

I am guessing she is about a pound underweight. Not sure of her actual weight but Golden 300 Hybrids should be about 4 to 4½ pounds I believe. She felt really light when I picked her up and checked her but I can't actually say as to an exact number.

 

[Kevin565]

Okay that's doable. I would only mix a few teaspoons a day in with the feed.

 

[Tivona]

Yeah, she isn't horrible looking (other then her scraggly feathers) or anything but I just want to make sure she doesn't get sick or any thinner. She is my second best layer and very friendly. I could just give her the moist dog food as she will readily come and eat out of my hand. That way I know she gets it. Everyone else has good feathers as they molted in fall. She somehow missed the call to molt and I think the cold is getting to her and eating up her calories.

 

[willowcrow]

Important to keep her warm until she gains.

 

[duckdad]

yes,
give her a vacation for a few days and some rich feed as suggested...normal protein (for duck) is 18% so look for something a bit higher. Most feeds have it listed on the bag,.

Sounds like she might just need a break...laying is hard work by the way mine yelps..!