Weird Acting Ducks- Possible Parasites

[BarredBuff]

Okay I have 4 Muscovies and over the last few days they are acting reallly strange, they are losing feather in their tail, breasts (except the drake). Then one hen looks like she has lost some weight. When I went to feed them this morning one hen had her down biting her. I have noticed them scratching before. I think they may have lice or something. Only thing I have is 7 dust to treat them with. Whadya think?

 

[Amiga]

Can you get a good look?

My thoughts are (in no particular order)

-Can you change out all their bedding?
-Consider using diatomaceous earth, with the warning that you don't want them breathing the dust
-What about a good bath?
-Extra vitamins and electrolytes - healthier birds can deal with pests better

I hope someone with experience with this kind of thing will see this thread and post to it.

Sorry your birds are having a tough time

- maybe if you put the phrase, "possible parasites?" in the title that may get some better attention.

(I don't know about you, but it seems to me that most ducks act weird at least some of the time . . . .

)

 

[BarredBuff]

Bump

 

[Amiga]

If it is just the females, could they be molting?

Have they recently experienced a change in feed or other environmental component?

 

[BarredBuff]

Quote:
They could be...........

They get different feeds now they get sprouts, custom grain mix, and flock raiser. Plus forage.

Im still gonna do a louse treatment.

 

[Amiga]

If your instincts tell you there is a parasite problem, that is something to go with. I'm sure you'll be careful with whatever treatment you use.

Please post how it went!

 

[Wifezilla]

Do you have DE? Sprinkle some in the food and on their bedding.

My girls look horrible right now, but they ARE molting.

 

[BarredBuff]

Quote:
Sadly I dont. I may need to get some.............