Two ancona ducklings died from eating slugs????

[NHchicks]

I can't believe it. I had 3 ancona ducklings, they're probably 2+ weeks old now, and I was taking them to the garden in the evening where they'd find lots of slugs. They seemed to love them. But last night, the biggest and strongest duckling all of a sudden started acting funny after eating some slugs. It tried to chirp but couldn't, swung its neck all over, ended up on its side, and in a short time, died. I was heartbroken. I loved these 3 ducks, as a group. So today I was extra careful with the remaining 2 ducklings. They were indoors most of the day in their plastic tub, but late afternoon we had a nice rain and I took them for a walk through the yard. They came upon some slugs and I thought - well, a few shouldn't hurt. Then the smallest duckling looked weird, swung its neck, couldn't peep, and within about 15 seconds also died. I am totally crushed.

Now I have one lonely duckling in the plastic tub chirping for its lost mates. It's about to kill me.

What in the world is the deal with ducklings and slugs? I can't find any info on the internet about baby ducklings choking on slugs. I was thinking that if the mama duck were walking her ducklings around, the same thing would have happened. You can't keep them in a box until they're 6 weeks old.....

Anyone ever have a problem with slugs, or know of any problems with slugs and ducklings?

TWO ducklings dying in two days from choking on slugs... it just doesn't sound right.

 

[Amykins]

Oh sweetie, I'm so sorry...I wouldn't wish that on anyone. That IS weird. I've heard of ducklings choking on slugs before, but not twice in a row. Maybe they were just too bug and too slimy that they got stuck in their little throats?

 

[Majd]

Yesss it does happen!! A while back one of my tow french muscovies died the same way.... after examination I concluded that the mucus like substance that they produce as self difference is the cause of suffocation.... becas that mucus wasfilling fis throat and out of the beak! It's so sticky and hard to swallow. That was my own conclusion.... so we tried to keep the other well monitored until we gave him to someone else who would take good care of him and has ither companions for him...
Oh and also watch for bees!! As young ducklings will die in tow minutes from a sting in the tongue.... tgat what also have experienced!! Good luck with the remaining one....

 

[NHchicks]

Thank you so much for the replies - and majd, I think that's what it is - the slugs seemed to produce foam that was seeping out the beak. I wonder if a particular type of slug we have here is extra defensive and produces lots of slime. If all slugs are that slimy/sticky, it's a wonder baby ducks can eat them at all. The way the ducklings were trying to peep but couldn't, it is as if everything were coated in a layer of slime.

Glad to know now that that's what it is. Altho I don't know how to get around this issue if I ever want to have ducks. Will probably have to order adult ducks instead of ducklings. I don't know if you can find adult anconas..

I do have bees too, so that's interesting about the bee stings.

 

[Majd]

Yeah it is much better if you can find some adults... yeah bees are nasty if a dumb duckling tries to eat them.... their small Bodies are quickly affected by the venom and especially.... mine was bit in the tongue in his attempt to eat the bee and his head quickly swollen and he turned bluish and died instantly... but the other ducklings seemded to try not to eat the bees...

 

[Going Quackers]

I cannot offer any input there, most of my scovie babies are free ranged so eat all sorts.. never had anyone die from anything eaten. That is a shame i am sorry, i would get it some friends as you know ducks are flock animals and need that type of companionship.

 

[NHchicks]

The next day I gave the remaining duckling to a friend who already has 2 ancona ducklings, 2 weeks older. It will probably take a few days for them to all accept each other, but I'm happy that the remaining duckling at least has duck companions. I heard they need each other for development. Besides, the remaining duckling was peeping my ears off, I had to stand right next to it until my friend came to get it.

There is nothing better than a mama duck to raise ducklings!!!!! I found that with chickens too. It is a chore and a half to raise your own, but the mothers are so good at it. No heat lamps, no night-time peepings, no babysitting... mama does it all and doesn't complain.

I really really miss those ducklings. Ducks are great.

 

[Majd]

The next day I gave the remaining duckling to a friend who already has 2 ancona ducklings, 2 weeks older. It will probably take a few days for them to all accept each other, but I'm happy that the remaining duckling at least has duck companions. I heard they need each other for development. Besides, the remaining duckling was peeping my ears off, I had to stand right next to it until my friend came to get it. 

There is nothing better than a mama duck to raise ducklings!!!!! I found that with chickens too. It is a chore and a half to raise your own, but the mothers are so good at it. No heat lamps, no night-time peepings, no babysitting... mama does it all and doesn't complain.

I really really miss those ducklings. Ducks are great.

So u did the same as I did.....
And I can't describe how much I agree with you!!!! On all what you said....!!!! I'm soo that type of person....