Duck with swollen beak!! Please help!

[Lori and Ducks]

One of my Pekin girls beak is swollen on the under part. I checked her over and there is no injury. She wasn't very happy when I tried to look into her mouth so I didn't get a good look. Does anyone know what this is?

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[Lori and Ducks]

 

[Amiga]

Have you looked inside her mouth?

A good duck vet is best, and I understand not always possible.

Could she have been stung?

If she was stung, then a quarter-inch diameter blob of benadryl rubbed on the understide of her bill, where the swelling is, may be the best thing.

If she was poked by something in her mouth, then it is likely an infection, and she needs antibiotics. I would start with some antibiotic ointment (no painkiller) on the underside of her bill, and consider giving her an oral antibiotic as well.

You might also put a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a gallon of water for her to drink. ACV is mildly antiseptic.

 

[Lori and Ducks]

Have you looked inside her mouth?  

A good duck vet is best, and I understand not always possible.

Could she have been stung?

If she was stung, then a quarter-inch diameter blob of benadryl rubbed on the understide of her bill, where the swelling is, may be the best thing.

If she was poked by something in her mouth, then it is likely an infection, and she needs antibiotics.  I would start with some antibiotic ointment (no painkiller) on the underside of her bill, and consider giving her an oral antibiotic as well.

You might also put a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a gallon of water for her to drink.  ACV is mildly antiseptic.

I can't seem to get a good look at her this morning. Due to severe thunderstorms this morning I can only observe from a short distance. It dosent seem as swollen today but she does keep tucking her beak into her wing. I did the ACV yesterday and put out oyster shell. We do not have an Avian vet any where close to us. Is there anything you suggest that I could get from the feed store?

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[seashoreduck]

Is she doing any better today?

Thunderstorms and other weather esp being this hot can be stressful on ducks. It might take longer to heal.

I'm a fan of Tractor Supply Store save-a-chick probiotic mix for their water. Love the stuff and so easy to administer.

 

[Amiga]

Benadryl is at drugstores, don't know if they carry it at feed stores. Same for antibiotic ointment. Feed stores do carry oral antibiotics. I am not an expert on which kind to use.

 

[Lori and Ducks]

The swelling has gone down but she is still not acting herself today though. My girls are also refusing to eat the oyster shell. Most of their food comes from foraging and they are being way too picky.

 

[Lori and Ducks]

My babies love the rain. Storms don't seem to bother them. Anytime they can play in the mud they are happy.

 

[seashoreduck]

The swelling has gone down but she is still not acting herself today though. My girls are also refusing to eat the oyster shell. Most of their food comes from foraging and they are being way too picky.

My babies love the rain. Storms don't seem to bother them. Anytime they can play in the mud they are happy.

They don't mind the rain, but it is hot, and no matter the love of rain, thunder can still be stressful. Ducks, after all, are a prey species so loud noises are stressful even if they bring mud.

 

[Amiga]

The swelling has gone down but she is still not acting herself today though. My girls are also refusing to eat the oyster shell. Most of their food comes from foraging and they are being way too picky.

They could have eaten something sharp, or thorny. I would not be surprised if something is stuck in her mouth. I urge you to find someone who knows what they are doing (a rehabber, a vet tech, someone) who can look inside the mouth.

A while back, a member found one of her earrings lodged in the roof of her duck's bill. These things can happen. And depending on what's wrong, there are different things to do to treat it.

She may already have an infection, or a reaction to a sting.

If this was one of my ducks, I would not assume everything will fix itself.