The Duck Thread

[JadeComputerGal]

Ok stop the turner tomorrow. Should i use sponges or just fill the little troughs? Thanks for all your help the past few weeks! Still not sure if I want to start another batch so late in the year. Hubbys coworker has Rouens that are laying and he said he would GLADLY bring some in if I want to try again.

Anything that raises the RH is fine. Do you have a way to monitor that?

 

[OldMissionChick]

Anything that raises the RH is fine. Do you have a way to monitor that?

I have a temp humidity digital combo that I have been using for RH only.

 

[JadeComputerGal]

I have a temp humidity digital combo that I have been using for RH only.

Then you should be fine. I prefer to use the water trough than to use sponges. I don't use either since our incubators have humidity pumps. I prefer the trough simply because it doesn't introduce any foreign substances.

 

[JadeComputerGal]

Good luck, dear! I appreciate you taking her since it's a learning experience for all of us.

Nothing definite yet. The vet just called back with preliminary results. One of the first things they test for is of course AI, which was negative. No evidence of injury, egg binding, any other type of disease process. The only unusual thing she found is that she had some kind of thin, fibery material in her gizzard, but no food. She doesn't know what that is and has sent it to toxicology, and she's also going to send me a pic tomorrow to see if it rings any bells with me. She said it's not straw, which we don't use anyway, and it's much thinner than straw and in very small pieces. I can't even guess at what it is until I see the pics. She also said she isn't sure that's what caused the problem unless it's from some toxic plant, although she did say that plant material that's not digested can give the duck a feeling of fullness that causes them to not eat their feed, so they basically starve to death because they're not hungry.

They're going to run more tests tomorrow to see if they can find out the cause of death. We took in a feed sample, which the vet said wasn't the problem, and some berries that grow on a tree in our yard that we aren't sure about. We never see the ducks eating those, and they'd have to fly to do it, but we took those as a precaution. They haven't tested those yet to see what they are.

I'll post an update when I have one in case it helps someone else.

Much love to all,
Jade/Gina

 

[chickmomma03]

Air cell pictures from tonight, these are all on the side that dips down more than the others. Don't mind my scribble on the egg, it's how I've been keeping track.

 

[EggPlanter]

Hello, I don't mean to bother anyone or bum them out, but a couple nights ago my duckling was killed by my neighbour's dog. I am still upset about that, but am thinking to hatch more ducklings next year, and wanted to get an opinion on a breed. I've been thinking of getting Indian Runner Ducks. Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[duckies1230]

Nothing definite yet. The vet just called back with preliminary results. One of the first things they test for is of course AI, which was negative. No evidence of injury, egg binding, any other type of disease process. The only unusual thing she found is that she had some kind of thin, fibery material in her gizzard, but no food. She doesn't know what that is and has sent it to toxicology, and she's also going to send me a pic tomorrow to see if it rings any bells with me. She said it's not straw, which we don't use anyway, and it's much thinner than straw and in very small pieces. I can't even guess at what it is until I see the pics. She also said she isn't sure that's what caused the problem unless it's from some toxic plant, although she did say that plant material that's not digested can give the duck a feeling of fullness that causes them to not eat their feed, so they basically starve to death because they're not hungry.

They're going to run more tests tomorrow to see if they can find out the cause of death. We took in a feed sample, which the vet said wasn't the problem, and some berries that grow on a tree in our yard that we aren't sure about. We never see the ducks eating those, and they'd have to fly to do it, but we took those as a precaution. They haven't tested those yet to see what they are.

I'll post an update when I have one in case it helps someone else.
I hope she's OK. The not eating feed thing scares me. Post results as soon as u can hun!

Much love to all,
Jade/Gina

 

[JadeComputerGal]

She's not okay, love. She died. We're doing the necropsy to find out why.

There's no need to apologize. I can't keep up with everything on BYC and don't expect anyone else to do that either.

 

[duckies1230]

But I am. I posted before I was back tracking through everything. I feel like a dumbdumb so sorry, truly! I now remember sending sympathies the other day. Your right, its hard to keep track. I apologize again!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Hello, I don't mean to bother anyone or bum them out, but a couple nights ago my duckling was killed by my neighbour's dog. I am still upset about that, but am thinking to hatch more ducklings next year, and wanted to get an opinion on a breed. I've been thinking of getting Indian Runner Ducks. Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

First thing you need to do before even getting an egg or 2 is to make a very secure pen and house so this never happens again, so sorry it did this time. I hope your neighbor knows what their dog did. Making your run and house as secure as possible and yep it will cost money but in the long run not have to see our duckling/ducks etc mutilated it will be worth it.

Next after that is done go on a site like Metzers they have water fowl for sale there you can read up on breeds and make your decision on what appeals to you whether it's eggs looks or personality. most breeds have all of them some are better egg layers though. I love Indian Runner ducks and hope to have some one of these days. I hope next go around your better prepared and when the neighbors dog comes to visit he'll not be able to get to your ducks and you'll be ready to deal with him if you haven't already.