This morning I saw all five of my 8 1/2 week old Rouens outside their pen just hanging out. This is normal since they stopped wanting to come into their pen at night instead choosing to sleep floating in the pond or by the bank. Anyway that's a different situation. Since this morning the earliest I could go check on them was around 4:00 this afternoon. I only saw four of them, I knew something wasn't right since all five ALWAYS are together and they were actually inside the pen. I thought for sure she had become prey but I needed to know for sure if possible. So my DS took his row boat and went along the bank to see if there was any signs of her. He actually saw her laying on the bank, she was still alive. But she wasn't moving much and she kept closing her eyes. He picked her up and put her in the boat she then starting quacking but not much else. Once he came to shore I looked her over and saw no noticeable injuries but she didn't look good at all. Kinda like she was sick. I brought her inside and put her in my old brooder box (no heat) with some Niacin water and food. I stuck her bill into the water and she may have taken a little bit if any. She couldn't stand or keep her head up and kept closing her eyes. We tried lifting her up on her feet but she would get all wobbly and lay back down. I took a video of how she was acting to show you all in case some of you had any idea what may be wrong. UPDATE: I just came from dinner and she is up and quacking, and of course making the usual ducky mess with her water bowl. She also poo'd. I am still worried about her and what could have caused her to be so lifeless. Maybe something she ingested?? Any input would be appreciated!
I am so glad to hear she is better! I was worried when I first read the post. I wish I had some input to help you, but I don't. I just wanted to say I will send good thoughts your way, and I hope your duckie has a fully and quick recovery. :
This could be way off, but I wonder if something got a hold of her and shook really hard. We used to have a dog when I was a kid who went after chickens. She never ate them, but just gave them a good shake (usually fatal) and left them. You could go back to where she was found and look for any feathers. She looked like she was in shock to me, but I'm not an expert. I hope she continues to do well.
How is your ducky doing? I watched the video, she doesn't look mauled, but exhausted or severely stressed. Hopefully some rest and warmth in the house will perk her back up? If she is eating a pooping (esp playing in her water) that's a good sign that whatever happened, it's not too seriousl
I was thinking the same thing. Maybe she is exhausted from trying to save herr own life, and that might be the reason all the others are in the pen. I would definatly think this if all this if she is acting normal again. Quote:
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR WELL WISHES!! All of you are so supportive, caring and helpful! Last night she seemed to be doing better so I decided to put her in the pen last night (since she had totally outgrown her brooder) and coax the others back in so she wouldn't be alone. I didn't want her out and about in the pond like they have been until I could be sure she was back to normal and/or I could try and figure out what happened to the poor girl (if possible). I can totally agree with what some of you said regarding her possibly being attacked, stressed and/or exhausted. She did seem disorientated and completely exhausted. Just last night I had asked my husband if he thought a duck could get heat exhaustion. Probably unlikely since they are constantly swimming and resting in the shade on the bank? The way she was acting and how after a couple hours she was conherent again. I honestly didn't think she would make it by the way she was acting. Thank you Lord! This morning she seemed back to herself (I hope), and they all were waiting by the gate to be let out but I won't be able to keep an eye out until later so they will have to wait.
It's good to hear she seems to have recoverd! I'm sure they'll be more than ready to go out later....LOL.
