Two Ducklings dying

[CayugaJana]

It sounds more like new duck disease:

Riemerella anatipestifer Infection
This bacterial disease of ducks is also known as Pasteurella anatipestifer infection, infectious serositis and New Duck disease. Anatipestifer infection causes high mortality, weight loss and condemnation. In the acute form, listlessness, eye discharge and diarrhea are commonly seen. Ducks show incoordination, shaking of the head and twisted neck. Birds are commonly found on their backs, paddling their legs. Typical lesions found in dead birds are infected air sacs, membranes covering the heart and liver, and meningitis. Preventive management and vaccination are effective means of control. Penicillin, enrofloxacin and sulfadimethoxine-ormetoprim (0.04-0.08% in feed) are effective in reducing mortality.

That’s so sad. I wonder why they paddle their feet?

 

[QueenieMinx]

I feed mybabies Purina Flock Raiser Crumbles and haven't had a problem with any of my 13. Could it have been a medicated feed?

 

[casportpony]

I feed mybabies Purina Flock Raiser Crumbles and haven't had a problem with any of my 13. Could it have been a medicated feed?

That feed was not medicated, but even if it were that wouldn't harm the ducklings. Purina's medicated chick starter contains amprolium, and amprolium is perfectly fine for ducklings.

 

[Duckstail]

I use that feed for my 5 ducklings. They seem to love it! Don't think its the food!!

Super sorry to hear that!!!​

 

[LuvBantums]

View attachment 1347475
We fed our two ducklings Purina Organic Starter/Grower crumbles and within a couple hours the first duckling died. The next day the second one passed. The ducklings were fine and the next second were on their backs feet up. I have never seen this before.
I went to my local feed store and they made me aware that this is what killed the ducklings. Before I make a huge stink at the tractor supply store, is this correct information?

Did you feed them the medicated chick starter?

 

[casportpony]

Did you feed them the medicated chick starter?

Medicated chick starter that contains amprolium, bactracin, and a few other drugs is perfectly safe for ducklings.

 

[Aquilist]

It sounds more like new duck disease:

Riemerella anatipestifer Infection
This bacterial disease of ducks is also known as Pasteurella anatipestifer infection, infectious serositis and New Duck disease. Anatipestifer infection causes high mortality, weight loss and condemnation. In the acute form, listlessness, eye discharge and diarrhea are commonly seen. Ducks show incoordination, shaking of the head and twisted neck. Birds are commonly found on their backs, paddling their legs. Typical lesions found in dead birds are infected air sacs, membranes covering the heart and liver, and meningitis. Preventive management and vaccination are effective means of control. Penicillin, enrofloxacin and sulfadimethoxine-ormetoprim (0.04-0.08% in feed) are effective in reducing mortality.

My 4 day old duckling (Pekin) died a few weeks ago. He couldn't walk or even stand on his legs and was often found on his back with his legs shaking. For a couple days he seemed to be getting better than one morning was found listless, quiet (which was unusual) and he died a few hours later. Does this sound like this infection?

Edit: He is the duckling in my avatar. This was taken when I thought he was getting better. He could almost stand but balanced on his knees.

 

[rtrodr90]

Sorry for your losses. Sme questions.

1. How old were the ducklings?
2. How long had you had them?
3. Did you buy them or hatch them?
4. How man days did you feed them that food?
5. What is the date code the bottom of the bag of food?
6. What sort of brooder were they in?
7. Were they warm enough?
8. Were you using a non-teflon coated bulb?

If I had to guess they were a couple days old. The momma was hit by a car.
We got them this past Sunday and the first one died that night and the second one died the next day.
They ate the food the first day and second day.
I had them in a big Tupperware bin with a heat lamp.
I’m including pictures.

 

[rtrodr90]

Did you feed them the medicated chick starter?

No it was non medicated

 

[ellie62706]

I had some weak chicks and feeding them scrambled eggs, sugar water (short term) or boiled water with sage really helped them perk up a little bit. Good luck!!