The Duck Thread

[jtn42248]

Yes I sat in there for close to an hour watching the other three and they were drinking and ate a little bit. The new bedding we put in are horse bedding pellets that swell up and become like sand when they get wet. I haven't seen them trying to eat it at all.

Check your bedding. Horse pelleted bedding often has cedar in it to help control odor. Cedar is not recommended for poultry so, if it has cedar in it remove it right away. I always use old towels for bedding with my ducklings. They are absorbent, easy to remove, launder and reuse.

 

[DoctorWhoDucks]

Check your bedding. Horse pelleted bedding often has cedar in it to help control odor. Cedar is not recommended for poultry so, if it has cedar in it remove it right away. I always use old towels for bedding with my ducklings. They are absorbent, easy to remove, launder and reuse.

I made sure nothing but pine was in it. At least that's what the bag says. I don't smell any cedar I only smell pine when I'm messing with it or cleaning it out.

 

[jtn42248]

I made sure nothing but pine was in it. At least that's what the bag says. I don't smell any cedar I only smell pine when I'm messing with it or cleaning it out.

Probably o.k. then. What have you been feeding them?

 

[DoctorWhoDucks]

Probably o.k. then. What have you been feeding them?

Unmedicated chick starter.

 

[jtn42248]

Unmedicated chick starter.

Have you been adding niacin to it? Ducklings need the extra niacin for nerve development and bone development. You can get regular brewer's yeast at a health food store (powdered) and just sprinkle a little on their food each time you feed them.

 

[DoctorWhoDucks]

Have you been adding niacin to it? Ducklings need the extra niacin for nerve development and bone development. You can get regular brewer's yeast at a health food store (powdered) and just sprinkle a little on their food each time you feed them.

Yes they get niacin as well. We couldn't find the powder so we got the pills and crush them up. We give them roughly 125mg each time we give them food which is maybe every 2 to 3 days.

 

[jtn42248]

Yes they get niacin as well. We couldn't find the powder so we got the pills and crush them up. We give them roughly 125mg each time we give them food which is maybe every 2 to 3 days.

It sounds like you are doing everything you can and doing it right. The one you lost could have just had problems and may not have made it anyway. Keep an eye on things and hopefully they will be fine. I truly wish you the best.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I don't know I checked on them about 2 hours ago and she was just fine then. I'm in pieces right now. I just hate any animal dying that is in my care. I feel like its my fault somehow.

 

[lakencarr33]

I just got a duckling I'm not sure what breed or if male or female. First duck I've ever had and I'm not real sure how to take care of him/ her I've been calling it Stew. Please leave tips for me?

 

[DoctorWhoDucks]

Update on my three remain ducks. They aren't breathing heavy any more and they are eating and drinking. Every time I step in there they quack away at me as if they are really happy to see me which is good because right after I found Clara they were very quiet. I think they are still greaving some but all in all they seem to being doing great. I just did a very thorough cleaning of everything in there box so hopefully all will be ok. I'll post a pic soon of them. Last I checked they were huddled together sleeping.