Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I purchased 6 1-2 day old Rouen ducklings on March 29,2005. I have a very strange thing happening with one that i am hoping someone can help me out with.

Out of the six ducklings I have one who is 1/3rd the size of all the others. THe others all have adult feathers, this one is just starting to get some in. THe major problem is this duck can NOT get wet. If it does it gets stiff and falls over onto its back and can't move. Can't quack or anything and I have seen seizuring dogs and I swear thats EXACTLY what this duckling looks like its doing. I can't even spray water on her, she literally falls over and gets stiff for several minutes. THe other day it starting sprinkling and I had to make a made dash outside to bring the ducks in. I was too late she was on her back and so very stiff...just from light sprinkles! I took her inside and wrapped her in a towel and held and talked to her while she was "waking up". Now how many people have heard or dealt with a duck that can't get wet?? I have called Vets on this but none can offer advise. All the vets around here don't do ducks so I tried doing an internet search but I can't find anything on this condition

Erin

i dont know exactly what is going on there. all of my ducklings have been great with the water since day one. if the duck is a runt which it sounds like it will develope slower but this shouldnt be causing your problem. it may be a gentic problem. depending on where you live the regular vet isnt going to help very much. if you can find a farm or wildlife refuge in your area they generally have a vet that would know more.

Wildlife refuge...THANK YOU. I never thought to call them. I'm going to place a call right now

Thank you,

Erin