3 out of 4 ducks died suddenly

[Lorbetal]

Anyone have any idea what could cause 3 out 4 ducks to die suddenly? I let my ducks free range around the yard when I’m outside and today my husband found 3 out of the 4 dead in the run. One was in the pond. The other duck that’s alive is sitting. Thinking they may have gotten into something? They stay in the yard and have been out when I’m outside since last fall, we have compost but they’ve been by that before. Nothing seems to have changed.

 

[ruthhope]

It sounds like they have eaten something toxic

You might want to do an urgent charcoal flush on the surviving duck. Usually activated charcoal is in the pharmacy antacid aisle.

Info on flushes
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/flushes-for-aiding-in-toxin-removal.700526/

 

[Lorbetal]

It sounds like they have eaten something toxic

You might want to do a charcoal flush on the surviving duck

That’s what I was thinking I just have no idea what. Our backyard is the same as it always is and they don’t go outside of it. But charcoal is a good idea, she’s been sitting so isn’t always out with the other 3.

 

[ruthhope]

That’s what I was thinking I just have no idea what. Our backyard is the same as it always is and they don’t go outside of it. But charcoal is a good idea, she’s been sitting so isn’t always out with the other 3.

I just added info on Charcoal flushes that you might have missed as it was at the same time you were responding.

Usually activated charcoal is in the pharmacy antacid aisle. More info on flushes
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/flushes-for-aiding-in-toxin-removal.700526/

 

[Chick-in]

Was there any black goop substance inside or on the edge of their bills?

Blister beetle will drop a duck. The insects are a month ahead of schedule in our area.

Sorry about your babies.

 

[addctd2plnts]

Is it very hot where you are? Do you change their water every day that they swim in and drink?

 

[Lorbetal]

Is it very hot where you are? Do you change their water every day that they swim in and drink?

No it’s not very hot, I had just changed the water yesterday in their pond and they get fresh water everyday

 

[Lorbetal]

Was there any black goop substance inside or on the edge of their bills?

Blister beetle will drop a duck. The insects are a month ahead of schedule in our area.

Sorry about your babies.

No black goop, two had sawdust looking stuff in their beaks and the other had water kind of leaking out of it

 

[Chick-in]

Hmm do you have any wood pellets near the yard? Those expand a lot when wet.

 

[Lorbetal]

Hmm do you have any wood pellets near the yard? Those expand a lot when wet.

No:/ my thought was possibly botulism from getting into the compost? But they’ve done that before and have been fine