Blue-green algae is found in stagnant water when it's hot out and can be toxic to ducks if they drink the contaminated water. Only 1.2 ounces of algae bloom can be fatal. 

Symptoms: 

• Hypersalivation
• Regurgitation of algae
• Diarrhea
• Tremors
• Reduced responsiveness
• Lethargy
• Ataxia
• Dilation of cutaneous vessels in webbed feet
• Recumbency
• Wing and leg paresis
• Cyanosis
• Excessive thirst
• Open mouth breathing
• Intermittent seizures
• Sudden death 

Botulism

Botulism can be contracted if ducks eat or playing in contaminated soil, water, or decaying matter, spoiled feed, or by consuming maggots who harbor the toxins. 

Symptoms: 

• Paralysis
• Weakness
• Muscle Tremors
• Stumbling
• Recumbency
• Limp neck
• Droopy Eyelids
• Death

Check your duck's water daily to be sure there are no dead or decaying animals and immediately dump the water and clean the containers thoroughly. 

I

Cedar Wood

Cedarwood should be avoided in avian living spaces because it can cause respiratory issues. If you use wood shavings for bedding, make sure you are not buying cedar shavings. Aspen and pine are generally safer options, though there is conflicting information regarding the safety of pine.

Chick Starter (Medicated)

Ducklings should be given a waterfowl starter, if at all possible. Many chick starter foods contain medication to treat coccidia; this medication can be fatal to ducklings. It can also cause niacin deficiency, leading to a host of joint and leg problems for the duckling.

Copper

Sometimes, copper sulfate is used to treat crop mycosis or digestive issues in ducks. However, copper sulfate in a single dose of >1 g is fatal and should be used with care. Symptoms of copper toxicosis are listlessness and watery diarrhea. At a necropsy, burns, and erosions are found in the lining of the gizzard, along with a green mucous throughout the intestinal tract.

Hardware Disease

Hardware Disease refers to the injuries that can result from any animal resident eating something they shouldn’t, especially pieces of human-made hardware like nails, screws, and staples. Hardware disease can have devastating effects on any resident. Ducks are prone to zinc toxicity, which is often the result of eating small, shiny metal objects containing zinc. When ingested, a zinc object, such as a penny, is broken down in the gastrointestinal track, and zinc is released into the body. This can cause damage to red blood cells, the pancreas, and the gizzard. US pennies made after 1983 contain 98% zinc and a single one can be fatal to a duck if swallowed. Hardware that may also contain zinc includes, nails, bolts, plumbing nuts, nuts, washers, screws, staples, etc, as well as galvanized metal

Symptoms of zinc poisoning include:

• Depression
• Weakness
• Increased thirst
• Seizures
• Green to yellow droppings
• Stiffness
• Cyanosis
• Incoordination
• Posterior paresis/paralysis
• Loss of appetite
• Weight
• Vomiting
• Lethargy 

Lead Toxicity

Lead was once used in paints and pesticides, and can also be found in natural environmental sources. Even if you have never used any products containing lead, it may still be present in old barn or fence paint, or in the soil. Places, where old machinery and leaded gas have been stored, may also have caused the contamination, as would old treated lumber and railroad ties. Ducks may ingest the lead in the environment through the consumption of paint flakes, plant material that has absorbed lead in the environment, and tainted surfaces.

Signs of lead poisoning in ducks are:

• emaciation
• depression
• inappetence
• thirst
• weakness
• greenish droppings commonly seen within 36 hours
• As poisoning progresses, the wings may be extended downward. 
• Young birds may die within 36 hours of ingestion. 

Having the soil tested at your sanctuary is an easy way to learn if the environment is safe for residents. . Prevent your residents from accessing buildings and fences with old paint.

 

Mycotoxins are a toxin produced by molds (fungi) that are harmful to many animals, including ducks. Mycotoxins, specifically aflatoxins can affect ducks through contaminated food or bedding. Moist, warm environments make a perfect recipe for mold reproduction. Aspergillus and Penicillium can produce aflatoxins and can be a particular concern for birds.

Symptoms include:

• inappetence
• ataxia
• convulsions
• opisthotonos
• depression
• death

Prevention is key in avoiding serious health issues. Luckily, there are a number of steps you can take to help ensure resident ducks do not suffer the ill effects of mycotoxin poisoning:

• Be sure to keep food, grain, and hay storage areas clean, dry, and cool
• Keep food storage areas protected from mice, rats, and other wildlife, as they can chew holes in food bags, increasing the likelihood of grain being exposed to damp conditions
• Always feed the oldest sources of food first. Try to use up open food bags within a few weeks after opening in the winter and in even less time in the summer
• Clean any storage bins or cans thoroughly to remove old grain that may get stuck in cracks and crevices
• Check with your food manufacturer or supplier to see if they regularly test for the presence of mycotoxins in grains before mixing food. If they do not, avoid using them and find another supplier

If you are concerned about the possibility of mycotoxin contamination, have your food stores tested. This could be especially important if you have a duck that shows initial signs of mycotoxin exposure.

Pesticides, Herbicides, And Rodenticides

It may not come as a surprise that herbicides and rodenticides can cause toxicosis in ducks if ingested. If ducks ingest plants or insects that have been sprayed with phenoxy acid herbicides, they can become ill or even die. For this reason, it is imperative that ducks are not given treated plants or are allowed access to pastures that have been treated with herbicides.

Early treatment is critical. If you suspect a duck may have ingested any of the poisons above, contact your veterinarian immediately. Blood tests may confirm poisoning.

Snakebites

Venomous snakebites are not common, but when they occur, should be treated seriously and immediately. If you notice a snakebite, look for others. Snake venom varies by species, and the severity of a bite can also be influenced by the size, age, and the number of bites. Most venoms can impair blood clotting and damage the heart, while some others contain neurotoxins. Signs of snakebite may include:

• Pain
• Swelling at the bite site
• One or more puncture wounds
• Sloughing of tissues near the bite site
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Impaired ability for their blood to clot
• Shock
• Collapse
• Paralysis
• Death

Wood Stain and Paint: Some wood stains and paints can be toxic to residents. Ducks may try to peck at painted or stained surfaces and can become ill if the stain or paint is toxic. When painting or staining fencing or the exteriors of buildings, look for products that are specially made for barns and fencing and listed as animal or “livestock” friendly. If you choose to paint the interior of an enclosure, we suggest you opt for a zero VOC paint- some are even labeled “pet friendly.” Birds are very sensitive to fumes and should be kept away from freshly painted or stained areas until you are absolutely certain there are no residual fumes.