We are caring for a pekin duck with an eye infection. She will only eat dry cat food moistened in water, cracked corn and bread. Now here is a stupid question that only a city boy could ask.When she has a bowl movement which is about a dozen times a day, it is very liquid.Not much solid material in it.When her eye clears up the vet says she can go back with the other ducks in the park.But for now she sure has the squirts! Is this normal?

-- JF (JBakerBosco@cs.com), March 10, 2002

Answers

Now here is something I can answer. Ducks don't pee it is all mixed together and yes they poop a lot.

-- julie (jbritt@ceva.net), March 10, 2002.

Likewise - - ( Now HERE is something *I* can answer ! ! haha

I so enjoy baby ducks! You can raise a baby duck indoors and it will make a terrific pet. I had one that would follow me everywhere, and quack at me as if it were having a conversation, and I could understand.

I would raise ALL my baby ducks that way. . . .if only they wouldn't squirt day and night. They are just too messy! The bigger they get the bigger the splotches.

Judy

-- J McFerrin (JMcFerrin@aol.com), March 10, 2002.

Remember the saying: "Loose as a goose"? Ditto for ducks! If they are not swimming in water, they are drinking it. Has to go somewhere! That's why a large concentration of ducks can turn a small pond into an avian cesspool in a short time.

-- Martin Longseth (paquebot@merr.com), March 10, 2002.

That is the very reason I keep mine in the shower, it the easiest way to clean up after them.

-- Thumper/inOKC (slrldr@yahoo.com), March 10, 2002.

JF You might try feeding the duck hard boiled duck egg mashed into small bits with a fork. Has worked for me in the past thought you might try it. Their BM will still be loose as a duck though :0)

-- Emily in Central Ky (bellyacresfarm@kyk.net), March 10, 2002.

ducks are a living funnel LOL have raised a lot of them they are hardier than chickens and taste better too ,fun pets to have if they can be where they dont make a mess , muscovies have even more personality than the pekings or mallards .....reminder to those getting ducklings for the first time watch the poultry feed the medication can kill them they eat more than chicks and overdose on the medication use unmedicated or mix it with a nutral feed such as ground corn or what ever is easily available in your area

-- george darby (gardenalways@yahoo.com), March 10, 2002.

The correct scientific term for "duck poop" is "duck splat". Make a note of it.

-- snoozy (bunny@northsound.net), March 10, 2002.

JF, that is a horrible diet for a Duck!! Try and change it very gradually over to a good basic duck or waterfowl or gamebird Maintainence crumble. Rolled oats and soft white wheat is good mixed with this too. Also lots of greens snipped, like clover, spinach, tender grass, dark green lettuce etc. If you do this slowly she will adjust and eat ist just fine. Ducks need much more niacin than other birds and also cat food is Way high in protein and will destroy her kidneys. Cat food is about 31 % protein and she needs about 16 % or even a bit less. Hope she is OK. LQ

-- Little Quacker (carouselxing@juno.com), March 12, 2002.