Clinical avian medical

Abstract

The order Anseriformes includes swans, ducks, geese and screamers. Numerous excellent references are available for specific medical and biological information on these birds. 1,9,11,12,13 Some basic biological facts of which veterinarians should be aware are discussed in the following sections. Adult male ducks, geese and swans are referred to as drakes, ganders and cobs, respectively. Adult female ducks, geese and swans are called ducks, geese and pens. Young ducks, geese and swans (older than 3 weeks) are referred to as ducklings, goslings and cygnets.