Sudden death of 10mo old Pekin!

[Sweetpickle97]

I think you can still get a necropsy if you still have the body

Would I do that through our vet?

 

[SolarDuck]

I've never done it before but I believe what Isaac usually says is "through your states veterinary necropsy lab"

 

[KaleIAm]

Would I do that through our vet?

I always do a necropsy through my vet. The more time passes since the death the less accurate necropsy is. I recommend calling your vet immediately. They'll let you know if they have time, if they want you to put the body in the fridge, the cost, ect.

 

[Isaac 0]

I've never done it before but I believe what Isaac usually says is "through your states veterinary necropsy lab"

Having a necropsy done through the state is often cheaper than going through your vet.

Here is a list of state necropsy labs.

https://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

How to send, prepare body :

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/how-to-send-a-bird-for-a-necropsy-pictures.799747/

 

[KaleIAm]

Some vets, including mine, do necropsies for free for established clients. Otherwise it can be expensive, and Isaac gave you a very good guide.

Edit: since I've only used my veterinary clinic I'm unaware if you can get the body back from a state necropsy. For me that has always been an important part of the grief process, and more important than money. When I use my vet I can go get my duck back the next day and bury her next to the pond where we used to swim together.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Good to know about the niacin. I knew they needed it, but I am not a duck owner yet. I will make sure they have enough once mine get here next month.

I used that list and had my Magnolia necropsied through UC Davis. They had specific instructions for packaging. It cost $25. Well worth it, imo. I'd refrigerate the body (not freeze it) if you can. I put Magnolia in an ice chest with ice. I didn't send her for two days (it was right before Thanksgiving). I sent her on Wednesday, go the report Friday. They even followed up to see if I had any questions.

 

[KaleIAm]

Good to know about the niacin. I knew they needed it, but I am not a duck owner yet. I will make sure they have enough once mine get here next month.

I used that list and had my Magnolia necropsied through UC Davis. They had specific instructions for packaging. It cost $25. Well worth it, imo. I'd refrigerate the body (not freeze it) if you can. I put Magnolia in an ice chest with ice. I didn't send her for two days (it was right before Thanksgiving). I sent her on Wednesday, go the report Friday. They even followed up to see if I had any questions.

Was there an option to receive the remains back?

 

[Aunt Angus]

Was there an option to receive the remains back?

No. Once you send them for necropsy, you surrender the remains.

 

[KaleIAm]

No. Once you send them for necropsy, you surrender the remains.

Good to know, thanks. It is still an excellent option to have.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Good to know, thanks. It is still an excellent option to have.

Yeah. I know how you feel. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't something infectious she might have passed on to the rest of my flock. It wasn't, thankfully, but I wouldn't have known without the necropsy. But the peace of mind was definitely worth it.