The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: scruffbag on November 06, 2012, 08:14:33 am
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Just some advice, I had some ducks which have been on the farm i work at for the first 8 weeks, i moved them there as day olds. Now i brought them home last night six in all, they were moved in a poultry crate and in it for no more that 45mins, they were put in a large duck house in the dark with two of my drakes with whom i hope to breed. this morning 2 of then seem not able to walk properly, is this ptsd (post trumatic stress disorder)? I've seen a video of geese with it after fox attack on their flock and they got so stressed from seeing there friends die they got ptsd and never walked again!
Any thoughts, will they improve as any one got first hand experience? I'll keep you posted on what happens.
Thanks in advance
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Ok I am writing as I can see quite a few have read and there are no replies. I haven't kept ducks but have all sorts of other poultry and for quite a long time. In my experience mixing growers with adults is a bit of a no no, especially if going in with males. With other species, you would tend to hold off until you knew that the females could stand their own. Any move will stress an animal and if you have a situation where bullying can kick off, you are likely to lose some of the youngsters. I doubt that your growers have been injured in the coop overnight and are probably just stressed. They are quite vulnerable at this age.
If I were you, I'd get the drakes out, make sure the growers have plenty of warmth (wouldn't move them again) and get them feed which will keep them warm. With chickens you feed maize....dunno what you do for ducks.
When chickens get stressed at this sort of age they are prone to cocci. Again, not sure of this applies to quackers.
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Just to add - ducks are hopeless at dealing with stress! Mine are 3 years old and still panic at the slightest upset in their routine. No running, quiet talking and no hurry etc is what they need -
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We had one that was brought here and died a few days after the move - she came out of the cage limping, I wondered at the time (without wanting to acccuse anyone!) if she might have been injured when she was caught. They are quite delicate and inner injuries can make them limp.Others we had with leg anf foot/web injues recovered without interference. It's hard to tell what's the cause. I hope yours recover! :&>
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Thanks for the advice so far. from what i've seen no bullying going on from the drakes infact they've all settled in well together today as a flock. I think any stress has come from the move, as the 2 ducks with the problem were the last two to be put in the crate. They have improved alittle during the day but they just keep moving around with there feet curled up hence no ballance but swimming fine.
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Improving a little is hopeful. Give them time and tlc. Glad to hear your drakes are OK with them but Id keep a close eye :)
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All are fine, at 4 nights one of the lame ones walked from the house in the morning with no sign of trouble at all and the other at 6 nights did the same! ;D Thanks for everyone thoughts