The Duck Thread

[AlejandroMedina]

Hello thank you for replying. No she has never layed an egg before so I'm thinking she's ready to lay one now. She eats and drink water properly but I'm not sure if that's a normal behavior for the first egg

 

[Amiga]

She may be eggbound. Or have some egg-laying problem.

If you can get her to a decent vet, please do.

What does she eat? She may need more calcium than she is getting. Can you get calcium supplements? I would start giving her 200 mg per day for three or four days at least.

Are all your ducks female?


@AlejandroMedina

 

[neetabeamie]

I think you have a Welsh Harlequin boy there's because if the markings and the fact that he is 8 months and no eggs yet. They thinly last between 5-6 months. So I would probably roll out the possibility of an egg. But I could be wrong.
Have you checked your ducks feet for bubble foot? A black scab ( it's an infection that is caused from stepping on something that cut there foot) it can get to be seats I'd not treated.
It also may be that your duck has a nutritional deficiency. Nican specifically.
When they are deficient it can cause week legs and leg problems.

 

[neetabeamie]

Here is a link for bubble foot. Post particular attention to Amaga's post.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/560693/need-input-on-bumblefoot-treatment-in-ducks

 

[Amiga]

I think you have a Welsh Harlequin boy there's because if the markings and the fact that he is 8 months and no eggs yet. They thinly last between 5-6 months. So I would probably roll out the possibility of an egg. But I could be wrong.
Have you checked your ducks feet for bubble foot? A black scab ( it's an infection that is caused from stepping on something that cut there foot) it can get to be seats I'd not treated.
It also may be that your duck has a nutritional deficiency. Nican specifically.
When they are deficient it can cause week legs and leg problems.

Thanks, @neetabeamie - I am soooooooo tired . . . .

It's also called bumblefoot. And you are right, it can be serious if not treated.
The first post in this thread has a very good explanation of how to treat it without cutting.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/807777/bumblefoot-new-ideas-on-treatment-with-pictures

And yes, niacin deficiency can cause leg problems. Usually it's good to supplement when they are young, But I feel it cannot hurt to try some. Either a tablespoon of brewer's yeast (brewer's yeast, not baking yeast, not winemaking yeast) per cup of food - or 150 mg of niacin per gallon of drinking water (plain niacin, not slow release or no-flush). If you use a B complex vitamin, use the amount of niacin as a guide (again, 150 mg per gallon of drinking water).

Please keep us updated.

 

[neetabeamie]

Thanks, @neetabeamie
- I am soooooooo tired . . . .

It's also called bumblefoot.  And you are right, it can be serious if not treated.
The first post in this thread has a very good explanation of how to treat it without cutting.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/807777/bumblefoot-new-ideas-on-treatment-with-pictures

And yes, niacin deficiency can cause leg problems.   Usually it's good to supplement when they are young, But I feel it cannot hurt to try some.  Either a tablespoon of brewer's yeast (brewer's yeast, not baking yeast, not winemaking yeast) per cup of food - or 150 mg of niacin per gallon of drinking water (plain niacin, not slow release or no-flush).  If you use a B complex vitamin, use the amount of niacin as a guide (again, 150  mg per gallon of drinking water).

Please keep us updated.

I hope you get a good rest.

I'm glad you corrected me. It is bumblefoot.

 

[MandyJ]

Thanks, @neetabeamie - I am soooooooo tired . . . .

It's also called bumblefoot. And you are right, it can be serious if not treated.
The first post in this thread has a very good explanation of how to treat it without cutting.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/807777/bumblefoot-new-ideas-on-treatment-with-pictures

And yes, niacin deficiency can cause leg problems. Usually it's good to supplement when they are young, But I feel it cannot hurt to try some. Either a tablespoon of brewer's yeast (brewer's yeast, not baking yeast, not winemaking yeast) per cup of food - or 150 mg of niacin per gallon of drinking water (plain niacin, not slow release or no-flush). If you use a B complex vitamin, use the amount of niacin as a guide (again, 150 mg per gallon of drinking water).

Please keep us updated.

Rest up! You never know when we will neeeeeed your expertise!!!! LOL
Mandy

 

[MandyJ]

I have a question:

I am thinking about adding adult hens to my flock. This is the enclosure that I have my present 2 hens in. They are only in it during the night, they free range during the day.



I know that I have to keep the new ones separated from the old ones for a period of time. I have a divider that I put down the middle of the enclosure. It's like this:



This cuts the enclosure in half.

My question is, I know you have to quarantine "new" flock members that you are introducing from the "old" flock members, is this enough of a separation for quarantine? The ducks can see each other but can't touch except if they stick their beaks through the chicken wire. The ducks I am hoping to find will be young, around 4-6 months old.

Thanks for any help. I have never introduced anything except ducklings into this flock. I hope it works, I think they need friends. They probably won't agree with me, knowing my girls! LOL

Mandy

 

[Amiga]

One big caution is to not let the old flock in ontact with the manure of the new ones till the new ones check out free of parasites.

I feel that is the most likely concern.

But respiratory bugs are something else to think about, and those can be airborne.

 

[MandyJ]

Thanks. Sounds reasonable to be concerned about new/old manure. On airborne diseases any suggestions? I really don't have another option in housing everyone.
Thanks!
Mandy