Duckling lethargic and breathing strange

[WelshHarlequin01]

I have a 3 week old ducking who is not right at all. This morning I noticed it couldn’t walk, and was crawling around ; I bought it inside and it’s breathing sounds like a paper bag is crumpling inside it (rattling almost). It is still eating and drinking, but it is constantly chirping and dozing off. Does anyone know what this could mean? Does it have a respiratory infection??? I’m very worried about him.

 

[Crazyducklady7]

I have a 3 week old ducking who is not right at all. This morning I noticed it couldn’t walk, and was crawling around ; I bought it inside and it’s breathing sounds like a paper bag is crumpling inside it (rattling almost). It is still eating and drinking, but it is constantly chirping and dozing off. Does anyone know what this could mean? Does it have a respiratory infection??? I’m very worried about him.

What food are you feeding? Does it contain niacin?

 

[WelshHarlequin01]

What food are you feeding? Does it contain niacin?
[/QUOTE

What food are you feeding? Does it contain niacin?

I have just started to feed them growers pellets - they were on non medicated chick crumb. He’s always been a bit different to the others. He looks more like a kiwi than a duck. I’ll attach a photo of him

 

[Crazyducklady7]

I have just started to feed them growers pellets - they were on non medicated chick crumb. He’s always been a bit different to the others. He looks more like a kiwi than a duck. I’ll attach a photo of him

He is so cute! If it’s chick feed it doesn’t have niacin and can make ducklings really weak and later become fatal. You can add brewers yeast to their food and try the electrolyte water to see if it perks him up!

 

[Miss Lydia]

You say your keeping your duckling outside is it warm enough in your part of the country or are you providing heat? Sounds like 2 issues possibly a respiratory infection and a serious niacin deficiency. Is a vet visit an option?

 

[WelshHarlequin01]

He is so cute! If it’s chick feed it doesn’t have niacin and can make ducklings really weak and later become fatal. You can add brewers yeast to their food and try the electrolyte water to see if it perks him up!

I’ll try the electrolyte water as I don’t have any brewers yeast ( we can’t go out to the shops because of the pandemic!) hopefully it will work

 

[WelshHarlequin01]

You say your keeping your duckling outside is it warm enough in your part of the country or are you providing heat? Sounds like 2 issues possibly a respiratory infection and a serious niacin deficiency. Is a vet visit an option?

The ducklings go outside when it’s warm and sunny, but they do live in the house under the heat lamp. Ideally I don’t want to go to the vet because of the corona virus as we have an extremely vaunt able person in the family I’m going to try some electrolyte water and keep him warm as he’s eating and drinking

 

[Crazyducklady7]

The ducklings go outside when it’s warm and sunny, but they do live in the house under the heat lamp. Ideally I don’t want to go to the vet because of the corona virus as we have an extremely vaunt able person in the family I’m going to try some electrolyte water and keep him warm as he’s eating and drinking

Order it off amazon but if he is this weak as of right now it may be something you should get ASAP or it won’t make it

 

[WelshHarlequin01]

Order it off amazon but if he is this weak as of right now it may be something you should get ASAP or it won’t make it

I’ve just given it some electrolyte water and it seems to have perked up a bit

 

[Selene uwu]

I’ve just given it some electrolyte water and it seems to have perked up a bit

Make sure while you are treating the duckling it is under the heat lamp!