Duckling is Sick!!!

[kels787]

Hi everyone!

I am new to the world of duck ownership as of this past Monday. Up until today, my two ducklings have been fine, but I noticed this morning that one was sneezing quite a bit. I thought it might be some dust from the clean shavings I put in their brooder, but when I got home from work, he/she seemed to have a slight wheeze with each breath and was opening and closing its mouth slightly with each breath. There is also a slight bit of swelling in the left eye, but it is not swollen shut. Other than that the duckling is acting completely normal, but I know they are great at hiding sicknesses. It did eat and drink when I offered food and water though, so I am hoping that is a good sign at least!

If anyone has any insight or tips to help my little baby that would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Goosebaby]

Hi everyone!

I am new to the world of duck ownership as of this past Monday. Up until today, my two ducklings have been fine, but I noticed this morning that one was sneezing quite a bit. I thought it might be some dust from the clean shavings I put in their brooder, but when I got home from work, he/she seemed to have a slight wheeze with each breath and was opening and closing its mouth slightly with each breath. There is also a slight bit of swelling in the left eye, but it is not swollen shut. Other than that the duckling is acting completely normal, but I know they are great at hiding sicknesses. It did eat and drink when I offered food and water though, so I am hoping that is a good sign at least!

If anyone has any insight or tips to help my little baby that would be greatly appreciated!

This sounds like a respiratory infection, it could be bacterial, viral or fungal so if it’s at all possible to get them seen by a vet that would be the best way to get them treated. If not then you’re in the same boat I’m in so don’t feel to bad.

You can try putting some apple cider vinegar (with the mother) in their water, adding probiotics, and vitamins, like the Bs can boost their immune systems. You could also try getting VetrX, it won’t get rid of anything serious but it can clear them up if it’s something mild.

 

[kels787]

This sounds like a respiratory infection, it could be bacterial, viral or fungal so if it’s at all possible to get them seen by a vet that would be the best way to get them treated. If not then you’re in the same boat I’m in so don’t feel to bad.

You can try putting some apple cider vinegar (with the mother) in their water, adding probiotics, and vitamins, like the Bs can boost their immune systems. You could also try getting VetrX, it won’t get rid of anything serious but it can clear them up if it’s something mild.

Thank you for the help! I sadly do not have a poultry vet in the area so I will try some of the "over the counter" remedies for now. After I posted this I did watch the little one very closely as it drank water and splashed it's bill around a bit. The heavy, open mouth breathing, and wheezing have stopped. Could it have just needed to clean out its nose in the water?

 

[Goosebaby]

Thank you for the help! I sadly do not have a poultry vet in the area so I will try some of the "over the counter" remedies for now. After I posted this I did watch the little one very closely as it drank water and splashed it's bill around a bit. The heavy, open mouth breathing, and wheezing have stopped. Could it have just needed to clean out its nose in the water?

It could be, if the got anything stuck up the nose it could cause the sneezing and wheezing.

You can also try crushing fresh oregano and thyme in their water, some use the oils but they’re usually pretty expensive and a lot of them turn out to be mostly vegetable oil anyway hence why I now just grow them myself. Oregano and thyme are immunity boosters and have antibacterial, anti-parasite, and antifungal properties.

 

[kels787]

It could be, if the got anything stuck up the nose it could cause the sneezing and wheezing.

You can also try crushing fresh oregano and thyme in their water, some use the oils but they’re usually pretty expensive and a lot of them turn out to be mostly vegetable oil anyway hence why I now just grow them myself. Oregano and thyme are immunity boosters and have antibacterial, anti-parasite, and antifungal properties.

Well thank you so much! I will definitely keep those tips in mind too! You have been a huge help!