Thin ducks

[Thebirdwisperr]

Help! One of my rouen ducks is really skinny. I have 2 males and the less dominant male is losing weight. I can't figure out why he is so skinny. They are allowed to free range, but I feed them every morning and always makes sure he has gotten as much as the other one. Could he have gotten some disease from ranging or do I need to feed him separately from the other duck (who is a perfect weight, and he gets the same amount of food, and those two can't be separated so feeding them separate may be a problem!)? Please respond A.S.A.P.



Thebirdwisperr​

 

[Amiga]

There are a number of possibilities.

Systemic infection, parasite infestation, hardware disease . . .

A vet is the best way to find out.

Meanwhile, poultry Nutri-Drench has a few vitamins and some calories, and may help a little.

 

[Thebirdwisperr]

Oh man

. What's hardware disease? Can my other duck catch it? Will Ricebran help?

Thanks so much,
Thebirdwisperr​

 

[Amiga]

We don't know what it is, remember that. If it's a bacterial infection, an oral antibiotic may do the trick.

Hardware disease is caused by swallowing a metal object. There are a number of things you can try, but it does not always turn out well.

I would bring him in for a bath, and watch him closely for any other signs or symptoms. Check his vent, feel his tummy for swelling or extra firmness or squishiness. Feel his legs. Are they really warm? Does his crop appear larger than normal? I would get poultry Nutri-Drench, and activated food grade charcoal, starting him on two tablespoons of that per gallon of water and it will not hurt his partner.

If at all possible, get a vet's help.

 

[Thebirdwisperr]

Thank you so much. I doubt that he has hardware disease because we always pick up any metal we find. His leg felt normal. But his crop does slightly hang out. We have a pool for them to play and swim in, and he plays in it almost every day, but he still looks scruffy and dirty.

Thank you for your help,
Thebirdwisperr​

 

[Amiga]

Then I would consider that he may have picked up internal parasites - worms. Forgive my repetition, but when it comes to medication, I recommend a vet visit.

At the same time, I know it is not always possible. So let's see if someone can check in here with advice about worming ducks.

I have not had to do that with my runners.