My duck is very sick, won't eat or walk. What's wrong? How to help?

Ducks should be fed more than just corn as feeding only one type of food can lead to nutritional imbalance and diseases with symptoms similar to what you are seeing. Ducks and chickens can be housed together, however they do have differing needs and males of one species may harm or harass the other which could lead to injury and illness. It would be best to have separate housing for each species as well as feed a balanced diet tailored to each as their nutritional needs can vary some. If you have a duck that is acting ill it is best to seek the care of a veterinarian near you as well as keep the duck away from the rest of your flock to avoid spread of illness as well as picking on the sick duck by any flock members.

Thanks for reaching out about Vita. Have any diagnostic testing been performed (radiographs, comprehensive blood work)? Other support avenues need to be investigated such as anti-inflammatories, treatments for toxins, Marek's disease and more. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out, this appears to be a dried wound and veterinary attention is needed, ASAP. This might require some surgical debridement. Systemic antibiotics are probably required but also protection from flystrike. Good luck.

It is likely to be due to a respiratory tract infection like viral rinotracheitis (herpes virus), or more commonly duck virus hepatitis. Duck virus hepatitis is a highly fatal contagious disease of young ducklings, 1-28 days of age. Ducklings are most susceptible at the younger ages and gradually become more resistant as they grow older. The disease is rarely seen in ducklings over 4 weeks of age. To prevent this disease, keep age groups isolated and vaccinate breeder ducks with an attenuated live virus duck hepatitis vaccine (to produce maternally immune ducklings). Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation (where you can post pictures ) if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

The swelling may be due to trauma, infection, a bite or sting, tumor or allergic reaction. Ideally, Susie should be physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating domestic fowl. She may need antibiotics, pain medication, antihistamines or even lancing. Any treatment will depend on her diagnosis.For now, keep her warm and as stress free as possible until she sees the vet. Make sure she is able to eat and drink as well, even if you have to syringe feed her water and food.

Thanks for reaching out about your duck. Hydrogen peroxide kills cells indiscriminately, good and bad, and should be stopped. This duck might benefit from systemic antibiotics, since topical medications do not penetrate deeply. A veterinary visit is highly recommended, ASAP. This can provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Provide some supplemental heat in the 75-80 F range, might help a little. Syringe offer food and water for calories and hydration. God luck.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This is a quite generic but concerning presentation. Differentials are many, from gastrointestinal diseases (infection/inflammations often dietary related) to any disease that can spread systemically (causing lethargy for example) like infection, and anything that can cause pain/discomfort. An immediate check up at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!