3 week old duckling with stuffy nose

[yomama]

I have a 3 week old Pekin duckling, Pickles . Last night I noticed that Pickles sounded like he/she had a stuffy nose. It did appear that one of the nostrils had food stuck in it, and after gently wiping it with a q tip, it came off. However, today Pickles still sounds stuffy, even though both nostrils look clear. The duckling eats, drinks fine, and is fat and happy. There is no discharge or even irritation around, or, in the nostril. It has access to a chick waterer ( shares the brooder with 8 3week old chicks)the white plastic jar type, with the red dish that screws onto the bottom . I know that ducklings need to be able to submerge their whole bill to clean it off, and I thought that he/she was able to do that. Maybe Pickles is getting too big to do this successfully? Any suggestions? Also, if I need a different waterer, what would you reccommend that is chick safe as well?

Thanks!

 

[Amiga]

I use a plastic tub with a snap on lid. I cut a head-sized roundish hole in the lid, near the side, and fill the tub with water. I place that on a pie plate to catch splash. Then the ducks can dip their whole heads into the water and wash off.

I also give them bath time every three or four days. They often can clean up the problem early if they can completely dunk their heads - otherwise you risk sinus infections.