METAL TOXINS & DUCKS

Poisoning from metal toxins is a surprisingly common issue in backyard duck flocks.

- ERIN SNYDER

Often referred to as hardware disease, metal poisoning, heavy metal poisoning, zinc poisoning and lead poisoning, metal toxicity is a common occurrence in backyard duck flocks. This condition is caused by lead or zinc entering a duck's body and bloodstream from ingesting contaminated water, dirt or feed, or when a duck eats bits of metal such as wire or screws.

When a duck ingests a screw or other metal object, the metal piece usually works its way through a duck's body until arriving at the gizzard. A duck's gizzard works like a hammer, crushing the food before it moves through the lower intestine and pancreas. When a metal object is in the duck's gizzard, the gizzard will try to destroy it. This crushing releases zinc or lead into the duck's bloodstream, sending toxins throughout the body.

TREATING METAL TOXINS IN DUCKS

Lead and zinc are the two kinds of metal poisoning ducks can suffer from. Symptoms, treatments and risks can vary between these metals, so take your duck to the vet to ensure proper treatment.

LEAD

Lead is the more deadly and understandably most feared metal toxin found in ducks. Lead is challenging to remove from the bloodstream and can cause severe health concerns, including seizures, ataxia and reproductive problems. Lead can also decrease your duck's ability to fight infection or disease.

SYMPTOMS: seizures, loss of appetite, weakness, weight loss, reproductive issues, bright-green diarrhea, ataxia, body tremors, drooping wings, convulsions, blindness, depression, head tilt and lameness

DIAGNOSIS: Only an experienced veterinarian can accurately diagnose with a blood test.