Fishy smelling vent discharge

[CrystaBub]

Lately I've noticed my runner Gabby has a vent discharge after she poops that looks like raw egg whites. Today I touched it (yuck) and smelled it (more yuck) and noticed it smells a little fishy (even more yuck). I don't go around smelling vents/discharge so I don't know if that's normal because their feed contains fish meal, or not normal and I should be concerned. She seems fine otherwise - acting, swimming, sleeping, eating, drinking, mating, pooping, laying all normal. I have Baytril - do you think I should dose her to be safe or wait to see if other infection symptoms appear?

@casportpony

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I don't think dosing with antibiotic when you don't need them is "safe"... basically in the long term every thing will have resistance... and the antibiotic won't work when you actually need it too. Her body should be producing it's own antibodies. Instead I prefer to support with probiotics if possible.

Look into vent gleet... it's a yeast infection. Is there any redness, heat, or swelling? Haven't heard it in ducks YET... but that's why we are here to share and learn from each other.

Hope she is well!

 

[CrystaBub]

OH yes I left that part out - her vent looks normal. Probiotics good idea! What do you use?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

OH yes I left that part out - her vent looks normal. Probiotics good idea! What do you use?

Yogurt, raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar mixed into water (look up dosage), fermented feed... basically anything that's fermented...

I only do it if I wish though... as our bodies have their whole own microbiom... meaning we and our guts are fully inhabited by bacteria of some sort... it's mainly an issue when it gets out of balance. But for me once their is a balance... that's about it. I don't think you can get ALL beneficial bacteria... but I am constantly learning something new.. and life is truly amazing!

@WVduckchick any experience to share here? TY

 

[CrystaBub]

Thanks! They get Braggs ACV already - so I'll try some yogurt.

 

[WVduckchick]

Just white/clear runny-ish stuff? My ducks do that, so I wouldn't be concerned. The smell may be concerning, but I honestly haven't had the guts to actually touch (yuck) and smell it (more yuck is right!).

I hatched some ducklings a few weeks ago, and I had them inside for about 3 weeks. I switched from Purina Flock Raiser to some starter/grower feed when I ran out, and could definitely tell the difference in odor. The flock raiser was horrid smelling poop! And wet in their waterer was absolutely gag-worthy to clean up. So I would just chalk it up to diet.

Having said that though, it could be a problem that I don't know about.

 

[CrystaBub]

Ok thanks guys! I'll try the yogurt first - since that definitely won't hurt.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Thanks! They get Braggs ACV already - so I'll try some yogurt.

No supplement should be given more than 10 days in a row.

But yes... different items do have different types of probiotiocs in them.. so a switch up might help.

That's the other thing... if you're already using all the "tricks" there becomes nothing left to try when a problem actually presents.

Glad to hear some other experiences!

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Just white/clear runny-ish stuff? My ducks do that, so I wouldn't be concerned. The smell may be concerning, but I honestly haven't had the guts to actually touch (yuck) and smell it (more yuck is right!).

I hatched some ducklings a few weeks ago, and I had them inside for about 3 weeks. I switched from Purina Flock Raiser to some starter/grower feed when I ran out, and could definitely tell the difference in odor. The flock raiser was horrid smelling poop! And wet in their waterer was absolutely gag-worthy to clean up. So I would just chalk it up to diet.

Having said that though, it could be a problem that I don't know about.

Yep .Flock Raiser smell horrible! I use it and like the results but switch to Mazuri as soon as possible.