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110 Hand-Rearing Birds

Figure 6.2 Dry brooder for critical care with poultry fount, heating pad, and hide area.

­ Common­Medical­Problems

Developmental disorders that are seen occasionally in other waterfowl species – like angel wing,
perosis, and angular limb deformities – are rarely seen in captive‐reared sea ducklings. For tech-
niques for management of orthopedic problems in wild sea ducks, see Goodman et al. (2016).
There are, however, a few conditions that sea ducklings can develop in captivity, including wet
feather and keel lesions. Of these conditions, wet feather is more common and refers to a duckling
that loses waterproofing primarily on the breast; lack of overflowing water may play a role. Over
time, the barbs and barbules responsible for the structural integrity of the feather deteriorate.
Affected birds will swim low in the water and will eventually refuse to spend time in the water.
Keel lesions occur primarily as a result of inappropriate husbandry, which for sea ducklings gener-
ally means overcrowding or inadequate access to swimming water such that the birds spend too
much time on land bearing weight on their sternum. Birds with wet feather may be predisposed to
developing keel lesions once the condition progresses to the point where they refuse to swim.
Affected birds become debilitated and are more susceptible to secondary opportunistic infections,
such as aspergillosis (Friend 1999). Prevention is the best approach for both of these conditions;
once a bird develops either of these conditions they are unlikely to resolve even with intensive sup-
portive care and/or a full molt.
Establishing and maintaining feather condition and waterproofing is often the greatest indicator
of health; ducklings with excellent feather condition are reared uneventfully (Figure 6.3).
Ducklings that struggle to maintain waterproofing may be more susceptible to infections with
bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Waterfowl are susceptible to a wide variety of pathogens that
are reviewed elsewhere (Backues 2015). Aviculture facilities commonly encounter Plasmodium
spp. in certain sea duckling species such as Common Eider; this can be diagnosed by microscopic
evaluation of a blood smear and is routinely treated with antimalarial medications (Miller et al.
2017). Endoparasites, while uncommon in sea ducklings, may be encountered in facilities that feed
live prey that may harbor intermediate host life stages for which waterfowl are the definitive host;
food items like crayfish are best avoided. Routine care for waterfowl in care should include periodic
fecal examinations particularly prior to moving to a new enclosure. Positive fecal examinations