Caring for sick Muscovy ducks

Hi folks, we had some real problems a few months ago with our Muscovy ducks becoming ill (and many died), and we still don’t know the source, but we had a few issues that combined to reduce our flock by more than half. 

I’m sharing this info for anyone who hasn’t had these experiences, so you can better care for your ducks, from some lessons we’ve learned. 

Factors we considered were: 

(1) Massive rain event perhaps washing chemicals/pollutants onto our property, which the ducks drank and swam in, 

(2) Ducklings who had no mother being exposed to cold (we honestly didn’t know ducks could die from exposure). In hind-sight this seems irresponsible, but the first three ducklings we ever had, were rescued from a drain, and when they first bred we never lost s single duckling (because they had their Mum to protect them at night from the cold. Further to that, the six ducklings we lost due to cold, had wandered away from a heat lamp we’d setup for them on the front patio, although they were all resting comfortably when we went to bed, they were all “gone” the next day (some disappeared completely, and some deceased). 

Those six ducklings had been rescued from the nest as eggs, when their Mum decided she didn’t want to raise them anymore, so I’d turned them twice a day under a heat lamp for about 21 days. Moral of that explanation is, we didn’t know ducklings stay wet and rely on their Mum to dry them when they’re little. But we certainly loved them and cared for them the best we could. 

(3) Botulism – a local Vet said that they could have contracted botulism simply from drinking in muddy pools, especially around grassed areas that had been sodden for several days. Effectively, it’s like rotting salad, so ducks can get sick from just eating what ducks normally eat, if it’s saturated for lengthy periods. 

The recovery process 

During this wet period time, our flock was reduced to 7 very ill, and two (grown boys healthy). Of the 7 that were still alive, we managed to recuperate all 7 after a few days in our makeshift hospital in the house. All ducks were isolated away from each other, and given fresh water only, and fresh water with a tiny pinch of Epsom salts, to help them stay hydrated. Then they were slowly introduced back to food after a few days. 

During their isolation they were allowed to rest in peace, so as not to be disturbed or alarmed in any way by dogs, cats or teenagers. (If you’ve ever stayed over-night in hospital, you’ll know how loud it can be). 

Sleep and rest are very important, obviously, for sick animals. We also applied some hands-on procedures, along the lines of Dr. William Bengston, but I won’t go into that here; you might think we’re crazy. 

Bottom line: 

(1) Ducklings don’t dry out like adults, so if you have ducklings without a Mum, be vigilant about their warmth/dryness in rainy weather. 

(2) Ducks shouldn’t play in muddy pools if street runoff is likely. 

(3) Sodden grass is the same as rotten grass, and it can give them fatal food poisoning. 

(4) Sick ducks need love, water, rest, and if you’re adventurous, some Bengston-ing. 

I hope this info can help someone to avoid heartache when caring for their ducks. 

I’m out. 

12 June 2017