We were recently asked if there are any special considerations to take into account when it comes to the care of older and aging waterfowl. As ducks pass their 7th birthdays and geese pass the 15th birthdays there are additional things to keep in mind when it comes to their health.

1. Older ducks and geese often exhibit decreased immunity as they continue to age. This means they may succumb to infections more readily than their younger counterparts. For this reason, it's important to keep a close watch over daily activities, paying attention to any changes in appetite, feather quality or behavior. Weekly inspections of the bottoms of their feet, eyes, bill, nares, vent and oil gland can aid in the early detection of issues.

2. Older birds are not necessarily as resilient against weather extremes and may react differently when temperatures reach highs in summer or lows in winter. Changes to their housing or pen situations may be required if you see them shivering in winter or panting in the heat of summer.

3. Older ducks and geese often succumb to arthritis as they age, which becomes evident as they waddle around more slowly or exhibit limping. Ideal ground conditions become even more important when you have a duck with arthritis. Be sure to fill any small holes and remove any sticks, rocks or other tripping obstacles.

For best results, and to keep your duck or goose mobile for as long as possible, it's wise to react to any limb issues immediately with a vet visit.

Ideally, Adequan injections should be introduced as soon as possible when it comes to arthritis. This wonder drug can greatly improve their condition while also helping to prevent it from worsening. We often see improved mobility within a few weeks, with maximum benefits achieved between 6 and 8 weeks. Injections can be safely administered on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, depending on the needs of your particular duck or goose. A little bottle of Adequan goes a long way, so to help decrease veterinary costs, ask your vet to teach you how to administer this yourself at home. Your vet can write a prescription for 29 guage, 1.0 ml needles (a.k.a. insulin needles), which you can pick up at your local pharmacy (Note:  If you buy them in a case of 100, you can save on additional pharmacy fees).

Another less effective, but more affordable option is to ask your vet about joint supplements. Over-the-counter products like CosaminDS can be sprinkled over your duck or goose's food on a daily basis. Adult ducks and geese can usually be given 10 mg/kg once daily; that is, 10 mg of CosaminDS for every 1 kg that your bird weighs (1 kg = 2.2 lbs). Always consult with your waterfowl vet before administering medications or supplements of any kind.

4. Older ducks and geese sometimes have more difficulty preening and cleaning certain feather areas. It's not uncommon for geriatric birds with arthritis to have messy bums, especially during the winter when they may not have ample access to open swimming water. In order to prevent the risk of infection and avoid attracting parasites, weekly or bi-weekly swims in your bathtub (or other safe water sources) may be in order. Remember... never use soap on a dirty duck or goose, or you will remove their vital waterproofing oils; instead, stick to clean water (cool to lukewarm in temperature).

During these swim sessions, pay special attention to water levels. Many ducks and geese prefer a certain water depth for preening. Knowing this in advance can help you to encourage this behavior. Afterwards, a relaxing blow drying session will help bring the fluff back to their feathers. Remember to avoid high heat settings that might burn their skin and keep a safe distance from your feathered friend. Initially ducks and geese may react fearfully to your blow dryer, but this mood tends to lighten as it becomes part of their regular routine.