Struggling after dehydration and loss of duck

[BrukeyBrooke]

We were away for three nights and had a pet sitter check on the ducks and goose daily to lock them up and fill their water, etc. Something happened (yet to be fully determined), and all of the birds were without water for an extended period of time (causing one to perish). The remaining ducks seem to be struggling to get back into the routine of laying. They laid a few for two days and then nothing yesterday, although one appears to be sitting now. I assume this is expected after dehydration? Does anyone have experience with this morbid scenario? Also, I have read that a bird can survive 1-3 days without water, although presumably that is shorter in this dreadful AZ heat.

 

[Miss Lydia]

So sorry you lost one of your ducks. Was this neglect on the part of the person you I trusted them to? I would think everything would be off till they are fully hydrated. Giving them electrolytes for a while may help. Sure hope they all fully recover.

 

[Miss Lydia]

They do mourn. Maybe not same as us but they know when one is missing. Happy to hear they are doing so well. Hopefully egg laying will start back very soon.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I hope it works out for your new goose and gander, I have the same and they have been spending most of breeding season in goose jail.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

I'm so sorry for your loss! If it were me, I would not accept an automatic door malfunction as an excuse especially in such a severe heatwave across the country. Whenever I have pet sat for others I always checked in 2-3x day at the very least and even with my own ducks they are checked on 3x a day at the very least (which is also why I refuse to pet sit for anyone over 20 minutes away because I like to check in several times a day). For a duck to die from dehydration in extreme heat they had to of not been cared for at least a full 24 hour period.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Main reason I never go away overnight.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

I'm so sorry. This is a scenario right out of my nightmares. Seriously I wake up in a panic after dreaming about an animal dying due to my negligence. I don't understand how she's not an absolute wreck about her negligence! I'm so sorry your nanny was so careless with your flock. My heart breaks for you. Like MissL stated, this is why I don't go anywhere either. I'm glad she didn't show this amount of negligence with your children.

Seems like she'd be more proactive about clearing up any confusion if she's completely innocent. Sounds like you won't have to worry about her using you as a reference in the future

 

[BrukeyBrooke]

So far, I have been told it was the result of the automatic door malfunction, but it doesn’t make sense to me. I will see her again today and will be questioning her about what happened.
Thank you. I have given them LOTS of sprinkler and kiddie pool time since returning home and have added various electrolytes and vitamins (Nutridrench) to their waterers. Also, a few hydrating treats like watermelon. Thankfully they seem mostly well and it is actually raining here this morning. So lovely in the desert!
I know we shouldn’t anthropomorphize birds, but they seem to be missing her, especially the goose who I think thought she was his. Luckily he’ll be getting a goose girlfriend soon (planned before this happened).

 

[BrukeyBrooke]

Thank you! I got two eggs so far today. They were laying quite early before, but now it seems to be later in the day. Maybe yesterday was a “reset” day. None are critical - all looking good. Just sad. They’re quieter than usual but all active.
I now have five ducks and one gander. The new goose is isolated for now. I had her across the yard but had a panic vision of a coyote hopping the fence and getting her. Now she has her own end of the run. She desperately wants to meet the flock, but they’re all looking skeptically at her.

 

[Auntiejessi3]