[wildandwooly]

Hi all
One of my miniature Silver Appleyards has lost her quack today     Was fine yesterday. Could it be gapeworm? I hope not  We have had pheasants around but none been in the garden for a couple of months as far as I know. They've been too busy chasing other pheasants. The chickens have had flubanvet but not the ducks    She's eating and I can't see any evidence of her having swallowed anything she shouldn't. They let me pick them up as I've had them since a few days old but everything looks fine and no obvious injury. Her breathing isn't laboured and she's been in the paddling pool and walking around ok. She just seems quieter than usual though, not as energetic and although she has been with the others some of the time she hasn't been with them as much this afternoon which is unusual. All the other ducks and chickens are fine. I'm hoping our vet can see her tomorrow am  as unfortunately they were closed by the time we noticed her lack of quack etc 

[Richmond]

Do you mean she just isn't quacking at all or that when she tries there is no noise? Could be a respiratory infection or she may just be unwell for a reason not obvious at the moment.

It might be worth isolating her well away from all the other birds - ducks do cope quite well with isolation especially if they are not well. She may improve without treatment or you might wish to give antibiotics.

If you haven't wormed your ducks yet then it would be a good idea to do so with Flubenvet.

[chrismahon]

I agree entirely with Richmond. Whilst I have only a little experience with ducks I can say that when chickens stop talking it is a sure sign of illness and will most probably have nothing to do with their throat.

[wildandwooly]

Thanks for your help both. I took her to the vets this am and vet couldn't find anything obvious going on. Given me antibiotics to give twice a day. They and the chickens have had flubanvet a couple months ago. Richmond she's trying to quack but no noise or at least only a really tiny squeak it's hard to hear. Preening and walking and swimming ok. Drinking but not eating much. I'm going to keep her separate for a bit and see if she improves 
Agree, they're like chickens. Prey animals so try extra hard to not show any illness etc 

[chrismahon]

You're obviously well on top of this. With no obvious symptoms, but clearly ill, antibiotics is the only choice.


Good wishers and luck Wildandwooly.

[wildandwooly]

Thanks chrismahon. While they've been free range today the drake bless him has been keeping an eye on her making sure she's ok and even one of the other 5 ducks settled down next to her to keep her company. Really hoping she'll be ok, they are such lovely ducks