The Duck Thread

[Lacrystol]

He isn't eating or drinking

He looks dehydrated. Feel his crop, is it empty? has he pooped anymore?

 

[madamiec]

Good advise only 1 drop morning 1 drop evening on the Poly Vi Sol with out iron, don't want to over dose him. This is made for human babies.

I would offer a little chick grit on the side and keep feed and water out for him 24/7 so he can eat and drink when he wants to. he really needs the water to stay hydrated.

No grit and just feed crumbles...if there is something he can't soften up to pass the grit will make it worse. Ducks don't need grit like a chick to grind food, they need water to soften it.

 

[Reese7383]

What's a crop? Until about 5pm he had been taking a bite or two an a few sips of water.

He looks dehydrated.  Feel his crop, is it empty? has he pooped anymore?  

 

[needlessjunk]

No grit and just feed crumbles...if there is something he can't soften up to pass the grit will make it worse. Ducks don't need grit like a chick to grind food, they need water to soften it.

Ducks need grit if they are eating anything other than pellets. They do need it to grind up food just like chickens.

 

[Reese7383]

It's a little cold outside to take him with me? I'm waiting on the other half to get here. his balance is poor. Peeps have slowed down. I couldn't resist, he's in y arms now...if he doesn't make it I want to be holding him. Were sitting in front of a heater.

at 752

Now 823 in my arms....

.

Niacin deficiency will cause neurological issues and balance problems...a drop of Poly Vi Sol without iron (yes, it's infant vitamin). I wish I had an answer for you. Sugar water might help with energy until you get the drops...ANY vitamin B in the house? If you are getting vitamins from the store I would take him with me and give it in the parking lot at this point!

 

[madamiec]

A duck gizzard is the third process and the duck doesn't have a true crop like a chicken...if you feed commercial pellets or crumbles a duck never needs any grit. A duckling especially needs lots of water to soften the food for the expanding esophagus (first step) or they have issues. Ducklings choke more easily than chickens. She's not worried about regular feeding but a duckling that is going to die! If this baby has eaten something outside that she didn't see or a big piece of grit, has had reddish poop and is totally off....grit is not going to fix this.

 

[ducklove290]

Hi guys. I calaberiated (however you spell it) my thermometer. And it read 37.5 when I did the ice test. So that means it's 5° off so if I calculated right and I should have by incubator set at 99.5 then I should really set it at 104.5 since my Therm. Is 5° off RIGHT? This is my first time hatching babies.

 

[madamiec]

waterfowl do not possess a true "crop," or widened portion of the esophagus. Instead, their esophagus is capable of expanding to accommodate substantial amounts of food

 

[Reese7383]

[/IMG]

A duck gizzard is the third process and the duck doesn't have a true crop like a chicken...if you feed commercial pellets or crumbles a duck never needs any grit. A duckling especially needs lots of water to soften the food for the expanding esophagus (first step) or they have issues. Ducklings choke more easily than chickens. She's not worried about regular feeding but a duckling that is going to die! If this baby has eaten something outside that she didn't see or a big piece of grit, has had reddish poop and is totally off....grit is not going to fix this.

 

[jaylilsmom]

Hi all I am new to backyard chickens the site not the hobby lol. I have recently acquired 4 pekin hens. They were 4 weeks old when I got them and now they are 12 weeks old or so. I will also starting a small flock of pullets soon. I am happy to be here and look forward to learning from you all.

here is a pic of my girls. The duck house is a work in progress.