I recently acquired 4 ducklings from tsc, 2 pekin and 2 rouens. The 2 little pekins were both a little weak from being shipped and I lost one the first night. I could tell for sure that one was sick but the other one seemed just fine really running around with the others. Now a week later we have noticed that one of them sits a lot. It doesn't appear to be in pain but it is like they cannot stand for long. It waddles around with the rest of the ducks but every time they all stop it sits down. When the rest of them decide to move on it gets up and walks right with them. When they stop it immediately sits down again. I cannot see anything wrong with it, the knees don't look weird or swollen, nor the feet, and it does not appear lethargic. It also eats and drinks as it should and loves treats.I have been putting electrolytes in their water and as of last night started sprinkling brewers yeast on the food. Am I just being overly paranoid as it is still a pretty young little thing or do you have any advice as I am a new duck mama (have 9 chickens though
My two new Pekin sit a lot. they sleep a lot. I also am new and dont know if this is normal. Im guessing they are just putting all their energy into growing because WOW they have gotten big in 3 short weeks! They eat for 5 min, they sit. they play in the water basin for 5 min, they sit. they get up, preen, and sit. LOL I hope someone with actual experience answers this.
I wish I could share some wisdom and knowledge but only agree with the same observations as both of you. I have one indian runner and she crawls up to the back of my neck and lays, moves, lays, walks about the house and lays. Then in her brooder she drinks a sip and lays down.....like it's exhausting work. Sounds normal after reading your post. Mine is 2 weeks
Keep a close eye on it. If one was sick, there's a good chance the lethargic one has an infection, as well. When Milkshake died, she went from rambunctious and hopping all over to becoming reluctant to walk. She'd just lie there and nap all the time. A culture would be a good idea to perform, it doesn't cost much and the results usually come back within 2 - 3 days.
I have 2 pekins in my flock, I did notice they were lazier than the rest while they were growing. Pekins get huge quick. But still def keep an eye on him/her.