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Struggling Duck. (Read 238 times)
RichB
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Struggling Duck.
Jan 25th, 2010 at 8:01am
 
Hi.

We've got 10 Ducks of different ages who have the run of a paddock which is just under an acre.  They are all really happy with plenty to eat & drink.

Our oldest Duck who is 2+ years old, really struggles to keep up with the rest of them.  She is a commercial Aylesbury, in good condition. The others are KC's & KC crosses of a younger age.

She eats & drinks then just sits down, almost watching the world go by while the rest are foraging about.  When they move any distance she has to get up & follow them, but does really struggle & would rather just sit around.

Should i make their paddock smaller (not fair on the younger Ducks) or leave it as it is?

Thanks.  Rich.

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mollie
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Surrey/Sussex border
Re: Struggling Duck.
Reply #1 - Jan 25th, 2010 at 8:50am
 
Is there any way you can split the paddock into smaller areas and then use them on a rotation principal? That way the slower duck doesn't have so far to keep up and the younger ducks constantly have fresh ground to forage through.
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RichB
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Re: Struggling Duck.
Reply #2 - Jan 26th, 2010 at 7:01am
 
Hi, thanks Mollie.

Yes i could split it up into smaller bits.  Yesterday i watched her & when i let them out the younger ones just ran/flew to the bottom which is abit flooded, she just waddled out, after about 2 minutes, started quacking very loudly which brought the others back.

When she does keep with the flock she just sits & grazes.  I know Ducks waddle but she seems to be really struggling, really swaying from side to side although in no obvious pain.  She's always been a large Duck & i'm wondering if she's got a problem with her legs.  I've checked her feet which are fine.

Thanks again, Rich.
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elizabeth
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Re: Struggling Duck.
Reply #3 - Feb 24th, 2010 at 6:00pm
 
I'm not an expert on heavy ducks, but I think they may be more prone to arthritis than lighter breeds. Certainly it's thought to be a welfare issue in the commercial Aylesbury strains, even in quite young birds. The problem sounds like it may be in her hips, rather than the lower leg joints, but you'd probably need a vet to assess the problem to be sure of what's going on. Good luck.
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