Here is a list of issues/problems that commonly occur with Muscovy Ducks & also tips on how to deal with or treat them.
Birds not being allowed adequate amounts of water & suddenly encountering wet situations.
Muddy/dirty living area, dirt gets into the feathers and strips important oils & vitamins from them.
Parasite infestations (can also be worsened by not having access to bath water).
Foamy Eye Foamy Eye is just what it sounds like, excessive foaming in the ducks eye. This problem is more common in Drakes, probably due to them having more caruncling than hens, but there's no way to really be sure. It is most commonly caused by lack of bathing & injury to the eye but it can also be brought on by stress & sudden changes in the weather. It is more common in Winter because some ducks bathe less or have less access to bath water during that time. Foamy eye is usually easily fixed by providing clean bath water for the bird(s) & making sure they bathe well.
In some cases, Foamy Eye can be a sign of underlying Illness or Disease. If the bird is not having any other obvious problems such as wheezing, runny nose, coughing or being lethargic then there is probably no cause for concern.
Because I have never personally dealt with bad Angel Wing, I will suggest you search this website for information on how to correct it with bandaging. There are many very helpful threads on here with good instructions. Much thanks to the awesome BYC'ers!
For antibiotics, I had to visit my Vet to pick up some Baytril(this can also be bought online). My drake weighed about 7lbs at the time so I gave him 1/2cc of Baytril orally 2x's a day for 5 days. My hen that was also affected weighted only about 3lbs and only got 1/4cc on the same schedule. I noticed really good improvement within the first couple days and when i checked their ears on the 5th day they were all clear.
This article answered some of my questions regarding my muscovy. The wet feathers and the orange on the carunicles. Not only did they describe the problem, they suggest a treatment.Very helpful.
I need some help. My 7 month old Muscovy duck has no use of his right foot. I went out to feed and water on Tuesday, All was fine! The next day I went out to feed and he would not get up. I brought him in from the coop, gave him a bath. Blow dried him. He has been drinking but was off his poultry food for a day. But he would eat peas ( gave him 1/2 cup). He loves romaine lettuce and he would not even eat that. He started eating his food the next day. But he has bright green diarrhea. While in the tub, I work his foot, but it stays all tight together, sometimes goes backwards. He can use his other foot. But in the last couple of days he won’t even try to stand up. I am thinking he has a bacterial infection of some sort. I have given him some Baytril ( antibiotic that I had got from when his brother was sick. I am wondering if the use of his foot will come back. It has almost been a week.
I am reaching out for some help. I have a Muskovy hen that survived a dog attack. She had 4 puncture wounds that took stitches. And a broken wing. She is a true trooper though. She is a backyard pet and very friendly. The vet does not know alot about ducks; he did put her on antibiotics; but now all her feathers are falling out, and we let her in the salt water pool (her favorite) after 5 days, and she got totally water logged. I wrapped her in towels and she fell asleep on my lap. She has no oil covering. I failed to mention, she lost her mate in the attack. And we have not been able to merge he with the rest of the flock, bc all the other males immediately want to lay claim. So she has stayed separate, in the warm garage. Her carnacals are an orange color and flaky.
1. Are ducks as naturally hearty as they say?
2. how long can they go without dipping their whole body in water?
3. Do they actually need antibiotics?
She is very healthy otherwise and has a true will to live. I just really want to put her in the yard, but I am fearful of the contaminates?
Good info. Thank you I am wondering about my hens feathers now.
helpful but this could have had a lot more diseases on it.
I am still needed some help too.. I posted ealier this year, around February, about a Very Cold Duck. I thought that maybe she was just suitable to the cold.. Scovy was doing fine until the Novemberish..then she became very cold. We thought that when the weather warmed up, she would be ok again..Scovy is still not acting or looking right.. She is still more lathargic and her beak and feet still look purple..I noticed very recently that she never developed the carunles on her face. She is and always has been small for a Muscovy. Over the last month, I have began to wonder if she has some type of deficiency or if she has some type of genetic or internal issue.
I am trying to figure out how to get more pictures posted, but there are pictures under Very Cold Duck..
While this is an old thread, is anyone there and can answer a question. Anyone know what would cause a Muscovy duckling (3-months), suddenly became so unstable on its feet that it flips over onto its back frequently, and has difficulty righting itself? Other than this weakness, it is lively enough and does eat and drink.
I would try feeding it Niacin or a bunch of green peas which are high in niacin!
The story of 15 ducklings, ordered in January 2019 from two different hatcheries.