Duck Panting?

[nao57]

So I'd been wondering, how do you tell when duck panting is because of the heat or because they can't breathe well?

I try to be very careful. But we had this huge drought, and very hot and dry. Sometimes I see them pant. I want to make sure I don't mix this up, between when they can't breathe and when its just hot.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

If they are panting for other reasons it would be accompanied by other symptoms as well. If your ducks are panting and showing any of the following then it is time to step in:

-Lethargic
-Not eating
-Not drinking
-Abnormal poop (bright lime greens, blood, stopped pooping etc.)
-Sneezing
-Discharge coming from the eyes or nares that is thick, abnormal colored and mucousy
-Acting drunk or wobbly

If it's hot and your ducks are eating, drinking, pooping and acting completely normal besides panting then they're just trying to cool down.

 

[Quatie]

When they can breathe well, you will see longer time between breathes. Usually you see other issues too, like head shaking if they have something stuck, or croupy sounds if they have an infection. If they are have breathing issues they also may be weakened.

Panting from heat is usually much faster breathing. And cooling them with water, usually stops or reduces their panting.