I have a mixed assortment of ducklings. We have kept them inside waiting for warm weather. They are fed and watered regularly and are allow to swim often. They have done well for several weeks but in the last 3 days 4 have died. 3 found dead in the morning or afternoon when we go to refresh the water and one after swimming on the pond on a warm day. The ones that have died did show signs of being a little wobbly shortly prior to expiring. Any ideas what is causing this? What can I do to save the other duckings? How warm does it have to be before I can put them out on the pond full time?
2007-04-29 07:32:09 · 5 answers · asked by T 4 in Pets ➔ Birds
in answer to the person asking if they are laying eggs. These are small young ducklings. They do not have their adult feathers yet, small enough to fit in one hand.
2007-04-29 13:10:46 · update #1
not feeding medicated feed and they die AFTER being let outside. They seem fine when we take them out. After a little while they start limping and are dead within 15 minutes to a half an hour. A vet is not practical since they are fine until symptoms set in and dead before I could get to the vet who is an hour away.
2007-05-01 09:24:43 · update #2
Are you usung medicated feed?? If you are thats your problem.
2007-04-29 17:32:17 · answer #1 · answered by duckrescuer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The most common problems we have with our ducks at the sanctuary come from two things: Calcium deficiencies and bacteria. If they're young, they probably don't suffer from the first. But if they aren't...
If your ducks are female, do they lay eggs at all? Constant egg laying means they need a constant source of calcium to make up for the loss in the eggs. Calcium powder sprinkled on their food or tablets crushed and then sprinkled often work.
The problem with bacteria can't easily be solved outright but can be avoided in the long run. Bleach and then rinse their pool daily. In nature, the entire ecosystems of the ponds, lakes and streams do this naturally; in captivity, they need some help.
Also, be sure they get plenty of natural sunlight. All the drugs in the world don't always help as much as direct sunlight. They use the light to process vitamins in their systems.
2007-04-29 17:37:30 · answer #2 · answered by lerxstwannabe 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ive actually had a duck before and you know those vitamin pills for kids that they chew, crush those up and put half of the crushed up tablet in their water everyday, and make sure you bring them out once in a while, even if it means putting the box outside for about 15 min. each day so they get some sunlight. make sure not to touch it too much!! TRUST ME IT WORKS
2007-04-29 14:38:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
im no expert on birds of ducks (although i do know several m8s who care for them) but i think that you should let them out more often. take them to the vet and tell them what is happening, they could help, maybee even look after them for a bit to get them a bit better. just keep your chin up! no worries Hun XXXXXX
2007-04-29 14:38:16 · answer #4 · answered by Bethany 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wish I could help. Call a vet or a farm vet.
2007-04-29 17:29:03 · answer #5 · answered by towanda 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋