So a quick backstory is that a few weeks ago, we stopped feeding our ducks grain (purina scratch grains) and started to let them free range all day. Please know we weren't going to abandon them--if they weren't finding enough food on their own, we were obviously going to buy them more grain. (As is the case here) So far, everyone but my one drake has been finding plenty of food and has lost no weight.
I noticed my one drake started to lose weight, so we picked up another bag of grain and started feeding him two days ago. The first day he attacked it with vigor and at it all with his mate, and yesterday he was eating just fine.
Today, when I put out their bowl, he began to eat but his mate was just eating way too much of it so I separated them. He then walked over to the gate where she stood and hasn't really touched his food since. I tried putting it in water, the way he likes to eat it, and even offered it again when the hen was there, but he only ate a little and then lost interest and walked away.
I syringe-fed him some critical care, and then tried feeding him about an hour or so later. I even added mealworms to his bowl, but he didn't even touch the food, even though he came in readily enough without the hen there. (We've been feeding him in a separate yard so he can actually eat by himself)
Is there a way to make my drake eat? Is he just having a fluke today, and might go back to his grain later or tomorrow?
He's acting normal otherwise--he's at least drinking and I've seen him preening and walking around. Since yesterday evening, though, I've noticed he's moving a little slower than usual and he doesn't run over to me or move toward the gate like he usually does when I go out there. He is a one-year old Muscovy.
I noticed my one drake started to lose weight, so we picked up another bag of grain and started feeding him two days ago. The first day he attacked it with vigor and at it all with his mate, and yesterday he was eating just fine.
Today, when I put out their bowl, he began to eat but his mate was just eating way too much of it so I separated them. He then walked over to the gate where she stood and hasn't really touched his food since. I tried putting it in water, the way he likes to eat it, and even offered it again when the hen was there, but he only ate a little and then lost interest and walked away.
I syringe-fed him some critical care, and then tried feeding him about an hour or so later. I even added mealworms to his bowl, but he didn't even touch the food, even though he came in readily enough without the hen there. (We've been feeding him in a separate yard so he can actually eat by himself)
Is there a way to make my drake eat? Is he just having a fluke today, and might go back to his grain later or tomorrow?
He's acting normal otherwise--he's at least drinking and I've seen him preening and walking around. Since yesterday evening, though, I've noticed he's moving a little slower than usual and he doesn't run over to me or move toward the gate like he usually does when I go out there. He is a one-year old Muscovy.
