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Farming Friends Forum » Ducks

1. wickedkitkat
   Member

   Ok brand new to this site and to raising ducklings so need a little help. We rescued 2 duckings from a storm drain and they were doing fine for about 2 weeks. I believe they are only about 3 weeks old as still very tiny. I filled up my bathtub with a little bit of water and let them clean themselves off after the first week. The smaller duck started to stumble a little after that and wouldn't walk anywhere. Now that has cured itself within a day or two but I, not learning my lesson and thinking no harm could come of it, did it again. Mind you, I never let them out of my sight whilst in water, and the older one is doing just fine but, yet again the young duck can't walk anymore. It started breathing real heavily too I noticed this last time he does put his head under water to clean himself and don't know if maybe water got in his inner ear and threw him off balance or something. Its seems to be every time he gets wet he can't walk for a few days but this time it has affected his breathing and he hasn't pooed in awhile either. I have no idea if these are two different issues or one big problem. Keeping him warm under lamp and out of water now but he seems very ill and need some help. Please help me find out what is causing this issue.

   P.S. when walking and not acting ill eats just fine and lots of water...very healthy appetite...but when can't move to well doesn't even walk over to food or water dish

   Amy
   Tri-cities, Washington

   Posted 2 years ago #

2. campbell ridge
   Administrator

   Hi, it sounds like it might be some kind of bacterial infection from muck it ingested in the drain and should be treated with antibiotics. It may now have turned to pneumonia with its breathing difficulties and it may need veterinary care if it's going to survive..
   There is a brief list of things here that it could be: http://www.callducks.net/ducksail.htm (this applies to all duck breeds)
   You havent said wht you are feeding the youngsters, or the environment they are now being kept in. They also need access to water at all times to drink and swim in, for when they feel the need, rather than putting them in a bath. They do make a lot of water mess so a safe area outside is best.
   Once fit and well and able to forage for insects etc they need to be released to a large pond or lake, if they are wild ducks.
   Hope this helps.
   Sarah

   Sarah L

   Posted 2 years ago #

3. m40mo
   Administrator

   Hi Amy, first well done for rescuing the ducklings,
   what are you feeding them,
   and where are they sleeping
   when you say you put them in the bath, how long are they in the water for, is there someway you can put them in some water outside where they could get in and out of the water on their own, ducks are better judges than us as to how often and how long they want to swim for, they need to be able to duck under the water to keep their ears and noses clean i'm just wondering if the bath tub could be to slippy and hes just pulled a muscle or something
   Mo

   mo x

   Posted 2 years ago #

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