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Farming Friends Forum » Ducks

1. Apstyer
   Member

   Hello all,
   I am a first time duck owner. I recently aquired two Mallard and one east Indian call duckling. The mallards are about 6 weeks old and the call duck about 5 weeks. I am feeding them all Manna Pro Gamebird/Showbird starter-grower. They have access to clean drinking water and fresh food daily. I will occasionally supplement their food with greens and fruit like bananas. For the last week the call duck has had very weak legs. She alternates between walking and scooting. She has good control of her wings and neck and her overall attitude is good. Her stool looks normal. Her feather condition is great and her eyes are bright and both her eyes and nares are free from discharge. She seems to be gaining weight and growing at the same rate as the other ducks. I have other birds also, a parrot and two cockatiels, that are kept seperate and there is no cross contamination
   between the two types of birds. I work as a veterinary technicians assistant and have been for the last 8 years. I am familiar with keeping birds, but not waterfowl. I love these ducks very much and
   will do what ever is necessary to keep them healthy and happy!
   Any suggestions as to what could be causing this, or suggestions for different care would be greatl appreciated!
   Thanks!
   Thanks

   Posted 2 years ago #

2. campbell ridge
   Administrator

   hi
   Do the ducks have lots of access to water to swim in? this will build up her leg muscles and help her gain strength.
   Try adding a poultry vitamin supplement to their water and cut well back on the extras - partic fruit. Ducks grow extremely quickly and need lots of proteins and carbs which can be found in the correct feed.
   It may be that the vitamin content in the feed isn't best suited to waterfowl so you could try normal growers pellets (duck or chicken) one sack will do you, then when that's finished you may be able to move them onto layers pellets.
   Sarah

   Sarah L

   Posted 2 years ago #

3. pinkpoultry
   Member

   What is the flooring like where they live? It isnt slippy is it? if so, try the little fella walking around on an old towel and see if that helps, But defo get them into swimming to get those little leggies strong. They sound lovely!

   Posted 2 years ago #

4. Lorna
   Member

   Hi
   You could try one of the non slip mats available on Ebay, they do not cost very much.

   Lorna

   Posted 2 years ago #

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