We recently rescued a couple of Pekin ducklings, and I have some concerns about their development. They came to us at two or three weeks old, and we have no idea how they'd been cared for or fed (they were purchased from a local farm supply by a young woman who wanted them as pets, but didn't have anywhere to keep them). We've had a small flock of adult ducks for a few years, but I don't have a lot of experience with ducklings.
The wings on both ducklings appear (to me) to be drooping. They will often raise their wings onto their backs, only to have them droop, then they raise them again, and they droop. The drooping is slightly more pronounced on one duckling -- and her wing feathers stand out slightly from her body, which has me a little worried about angel wing. The wings on the other duckling rest a bit higher and closer to her body, but she may be at a slightly different stage in her development. I've posted some photos that show the positions of the wings and angles of the feathers. I'll try to post a video of the drooping/lifting.
Also, one of the ducklings often pants heavily when at rest, even when out of the sun on a mild day. There's no indication that her nostrils are clogged, and they have good access to clean water. She's vigorous and eats well. I'm wondering if this is indicative of a respiratory problem or some other issue. I'll try to post a video of the panting as well.
The wings on both ducklings appear (to me) to be drooping. They will often raise their wings onto their backs, only to have them droop, then they raise them again, and they droop. The drooping is slightly more pronounced on one duckling -- and her wing feathers stand out slightly from her body, which has me a little worried about angel wing. The wings on the other duckling rest a bit higher and closer to her body, but she may be at a slightly different stage in her development. I've posted some photos that show the positions of the wings and angles of the feathers. I'll try to post a video of the drooping/lifting.
Also, one of the ducklings often pants heavily when at rest, even when out of the sun on a mild day. There's no indication that her nostrils are clogged, and they have good access to clean water. She's vigorous and eats well. I'm wondering if this is indicative of a respiratory problem or some other issue. I'll try to post a video of the panting as well.