Author Topic: Poorly duck (Read 1258 times)

Daleswoman · « **on:** December 03, 2020, 07:27:02 am »

well drake, actually.

He's a Muscovy, 4/5 years old, living with my little flock (6 ducks and 2 drakes altogether, not all Muscovives). Free range, but shut in an old stable at night.

For the past 3 or 4 weeks he's been getting increasingly unsteady on his feet, he can walk - slowly - on level ground, but any uneveness, or going up a step or over a door threshold he falls over and has to scramble up using his wings to help. He potters about on his own during the day (because he can't keep up with the others) and comes in with the others at night, and is eating normally. His feathers are a muddy mess now, I don't think it's wet feather as such, I think it's just that he lacks the strength in his legs to be able to preen properly.

I've examined him and there are no visible wounds, swellings, or heat in his legs or feet. All the other ducks are fine.

Anyone experienced similar, or have any ideas what it could be? I've been googling for an hour and can't find a description of any disease that comes close.

twizzel · « **Reply #1 on:** December 03, 2020, 08:31:05 am »

I had a duck with similar unsteadiness over the summer, she was 5-6 years old and sadly we put her down. I think it was just old age

Richmond · « **Reply #2 on:** December 03, 2020, 09:10:47 am »

It is age related. My old ducks go this way too.

If he can't preen and is getting left behind when the others go off foraging then it would be kindest to despatch/pts. Sorry.

Daleswoman · « **Reply #3 on:** December 03, 2020, 09:18:49 am »

Thanks for the replies. I would normally agree with culling him, but my other drake, a White Campbell, is approx 8 years old and going strong as are the other Muscovies who are the same age as this one. I know individuals vary, but I didn't think 5 was that old for a duck. A friend has suggested trying mineral/vitamin supplements, so I will give that a try before giving him a death sentence.