Welsh Harlequin Just Died For No Reason?!

[klemele]

Okay, like this is the second time her mate has gone (last one was sold) I really hope she is fine she is so sweet and such a calm bird, what kind of treats should I give her? When I saw the body of the mate she just stood there waiting for him to wake up and move. When I open the top inthe morning she is usualy the one to come out first but she waited for him to get up and didnt move that much. She is still eating and drinking so thats good. I hope my one female is good enough company before I can get this male home.

 

[Amiga]

Different ducks like different things, but some treats mine like are shredded lettuce, thawed frozen peas (be sure they are not included in that listeria recall - awful story), or dried mealworms. Some of my Runners really like a little bit of dry cat kibble.

 

[klemele]

I am worried she wont make the night, could that happen because of a broken heart? Is there a genetic thing for heart problems etc that couldve happened to my male?

 

[SAustin]

She is probably grieving.  I thought Romy was going to die just a couple days after her bff passed away.  Give her some vitamins in her water, make sure she has really good food, some of her favorite treats, and talk to her about it.  Seriously.  I would sit with her and tell her how you feel, and offer her some words of comfort.  I cannot say ducks understand every word, but some of them seem to understand tone of voice and body language.

Really! This worked for me. I sat on my back step and just cried into the back feathers of my duck. He was sitting in my lap (we lost his brother on Tuesday) and I just cried. I told him I was sorry and that I missed him too, that we would get through this and that I'd take care of him and get him a flock soon. I mean- if anyone other than a fellow duck raiser saw me- they'd probably make fun of me... But I held nothing back. And no joke, he followed me around the rest of the afternoon, FINALLY foraging in the middle of the yard for the first time since Tuesday. He wouldn't leave his covered run before then and if he did, he was flying around which just stressed me out even more. I also added a mirror per suggestion and it's helped a ton! But I honestly think talking to him helped him come out of his shell a little bit.