Duck sleeping a lot, not eating much Need advice

[chickenthr33]

My ducks are about 4 months old, we have a large woodshed they sleep in at night and a nice stream running through our property where they hang out during the day.

So as you can see 2 of the ducks are busy finding things to eat while the guy in the front is just kinda floating there with his eyes closed. Every now and then I see him stick his head under the water and nibble at things but for the most part he just floats there while the other 2 are constantly moving around looking for things. This has been going on for 2 days now and I'm worried there's something wrong with him. Has anybody seen anything like this? I've looked through some sites that have general Duck ailments but nothing quite fits this description.

Unrelated question, I'm pretty sure this is a Male Malard, the Green area on his head has been getting larger (all the pics I see they have a full head of green), I assume this happens over time?

Any help appreciated, thx.

 

[rainplace]

Does he eat anything else like feed or anything? I have one duck that just likes to sleep and float. My other ducks are always busy, but she prefers to just eat the feed.

 

[chickenthr33]

Yes we feed them poultry feed as well, I keep a container of it on the bank next to the stream, the other 2 will come up and eat that as well while the other one just floated around. I can't tell if maybe he's just eating when I'm not watching but this isn't usual for him he's usually just as active as the others if my memory serves me right.

Could this be caused by worms? We have 2 pigs somewhat nearby in the yard and they have ventured over there drinking the water from the mud so maybe he's got worms or something. I've been reading about using garlic powder in their feed, as well as possibly Cayenne pepper?

 

[chickenthr33]

I'm happy to say that so far today he seems to be back to normal. All 3 are stickin their heads under and gobbling everything up so hopefully he was just under the weather for a couple days.

 

[Wifezilla]

Whenever one of my ducks looks a little "off", I add some raw apple cider vinegar to their water. (1 tbsp/gallon approx)

It works as a general tonic for them. It has worked really well so far.

 

[FenDruadin]

That is so interesting, Wifezilla. Apple cider vinegar is a great tonic for humans too, as it happens. I use it especially when I am having breastfeeding troubles (it's great against any kind of yeast issue, as a matter of fact too). I learned that, in fact, from studying goats--it's a general tonic for goats, as well as specifically for milk goats with mastitis. Who knew it would help a duck too?? Thanks!

One quick note--I just noticed the other day that some stores apparently offer "APPLE CIDER (flavored) VINEGAR." Which is just regular white vinegar with apple cider flavoring & color added. Be sure to get the real thing--the way it is brewed and the stock from which it is brewed is what gives it its unique health properties.

 

[Wifezilla]

Yup...exactly. I have a big bottle of BRAGGS

 

[Le Canard de Barbarie]

Quote:
Too much information....

 

[rainplace]

Quote:
Too much information....

I never knew that. I wish I knew back when I had those sort of troubles!