Dealing with injuries and sickness

A Guide to Caring for Ailing Ornamental Ducks and Waterfowl

By Swans Farm

Due to the number of emails and phone calls I’ve received over the years regarding the treatment of sick or injured birds, I’ve compiled this article to share insights based on personal experience in caring for wild waterfowl. Please note, I am not a veterinarian and cannot be held liable for any negative outcomes that may result from applying the information shared in this article.

Recognizing Illness in Ornamental Ducks

Like many wild animals, ornamental ducks instinctively hide signs of illness or injury. This natural behavior protects them from predators in the wild but often delays detection in captivity—sometimes until it’s too late. It is not uncommon for a bird that appears unwell on Monday to pass away by Wednesday.

Diagnosing illness in ornamental ducks can be challenging without access to an avian veterinarian, who may not be readily available without long-distance travel. Moreover, the stress from catching, handling, and transporting an already ailing bird can further endanger its health. Sometimes, despite our best intentions, stress can prove fatal.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

At Swans Farm, we believe that preventative care is the most effective approach. Below are a few best practices that can help maintain the health and well-being of your birds:

Clean Environment

A hygienic living space is critical. Mud and standing water can harbor parasites and harmful bacteria. To address this, we use sand and gravel flooring in most of our pens. Clean, circulating well water is essential not only for drinking but also for preening. Prolonged exposure to dirty water can damage feathers and reduce mating behavior.

Managing Stress

Wild waterfowl are far more susceptible to stress than domestic breeds. Stress can significantly weaken the immune system. A bird that is constantly pacing, bullied, or feels unsafe may stop eating or sleeping properly, making it more prone to illness.

To reduce stress, we provide hiding places and maintain a visual barrier—usually a 2-3 foot sheet of tin or painted metal—around each pen. This helps block out perceived external threats (such as dogs or children) and promotes a sense of safety, especially during the breeding season.

Feather Care and Preening

Feather maintenance is essential for temperature regulation and water resistance. Preening typically occurs when a bird feels calm and secure. Therefore, stressed birds may neglect this vital activity, leading to feather damage and associated health issues.

Feeding Practices

Feeding equipment must be kept clean, as moldy or spoiled food can be toxic. We avoid hay in our pens and nest boxes because mold spores in hay can cause aspergillosis—a serious respiratory illness.

Safe Enclosures

Be cautious of loose hardware or small, ingestible objects such as staples, screws, or brush bristles, which can be fatal if swallowed. Wire cages and exposed mesh can also cause injuries if not properly maintained.

Handling and Transport

Birds should only be handled when absolutely necessary. Chasing birds—especially in large aviaries—can lead to severe injuries or even death. Birds with full flight capability are at risk of colliding with obstacles and breaking bones.

Avoid handling birds in extreme heat. If you must, do so in the early morning or evening. When you do handle a bird, covering its eyes can help reduce stress. When transporting, cover cages with a towel to block visual stressors. We recommend solid-sided pet carriers (like pet taxis) over wire cages to prevent injury during transport.

Water Safety

Ponds with steep sides (like koi ponds or livestock troughs) should be modified with ramps or rocks to allow birds easy exit. Non-flying birds are at risk of drowning if the water level drops.

Housing Compatibility

Keep wild-type and domestic ducks in separate enclosures. Domestic drakes may attempt to mate with smaller wild females, potentially causing injury or drowning.

Deworming and Treatment

We deworm all our birds twice a year. While no worming medications are officially approved for ducks, we’ve successfully used:

• Ivomec injectable (cattle wormer): Two small oral drops per 3 pounds of body weight.

• Medicated pig crumble feed: Used as a temporary food replacement for 3 days.

Ivomec provides broader parasite protection but requires catching each bird. Medicated feed is less stressful but may not ensure uniform dosage.

Treating Sickness

• Respiratory infections (cold/sinus-like symptoms): We’ve had success using Tylan 200, dosed at 1cc per 3 pounds of body weight.

• External parasites (mites, lice, etc.): Light dusting with Sevin dust or treatment with Ivomec.

Final Thoughts

With the proper environment and care, ornamental ducks are generally hardy and resistant to disease. Compared to pheasants and poultry, ducks are less prone to common avian illnesses. Still, their wild nature demands thoughtful management and minimal interference.

By practicing good husbandry, you can significantly reduce the risk of illness and ensure your birds live healthy, stress-free lives.

—Swans Farm