Reptile & Amphibian Forums

One of my Muscovies (I think they're muscovies anyway) is acting strange.
1) She walks heavily like shes got a leg problem (but her legs seem alright).
2) She walks for a while then stops to sit down and rest, then she might get up again and walk for a while and stop again.
3) She breathes with her mouth open.
4) If I give her water, she hardly drinks any but dips her beak in then shakes her head.
5) Her eyes go all glassy (a thin layer of greyish-clear stuff covers her eye and her pupils look smaller).
6) This might not be a problem, maybe just a show of affection, but if I put my hand on her neck she kind of leans on it.

HELP SHE LOOKS ALLY SICK!

I would take her to a vet immediately. I do not have muscovy's but she doesn't sound too good, especially the part about not drinking water.

Ok, Chikki is alright now, but shes still walking funny. Could the reason be that she had trouble laying, because she laid an egg this morning? When she walks, she also sometimes has trouble getting up again. She doesnt move much, just sits in one spot.

MORE HELP PLEASE!

Hey,

I agree that you should take the duck to a Vet as soon as possible, although she may seem better, there may be still be a problem.
I have Muscovies and haven't really seen any of the signs you listed.
Regarding the egg that she laied. Did it have a hard or soft shell, or was it deformed or badly shaped in anyway? If the egg had a soft shell then your duck could have a calcium deficiency. I would suggest giving her a supplement, but check with a Vet first. A deficiency could also possibly explain her trouble with walking, maybe her legs have been weakened.. i don't know for sure, it's just a guess.

As for her not drinking, that is serious. Until you see professional help, keep a close eye on how much she drinks and eats. Try to offer a good range of foods to incourage her to eat. Different foods could include grass, lettuce, snails, worms, bread (in small amounts) and mixed corns and grains.

Hope your duck does ok,
Mel X

My female duck has the same symptoms. I took her to the vet and he gave her some anti-biotics but she doesn't seem any better. Can you tell me what the vet gave to you, so I can try and get some more help for her? Many thanks, Kate.