Duckling panting

[PowellAnimals]

I have a week old Pekin duckling that has been panting on and off over the past two days. I did a search and it led me to believe that it was too hot so I moved the heat lamp away but it is only 80 degrees in the brooder now and it is still panting. I am using one of those standard quart chick waterers for water and it seems to be drinking and eating fine. Last night I tried putting it in some water to swim and clear its beak in case that was a problem but that didn't seem to help. I am using pine shavings from TSC as bedding but have been only doing so for about two and a half days. Before then I had the pine shavings covered with paper towels so I covered the shavings again last night. I do not notice the panting when they are playing outside. She sleeps through the night okay. She is not any louder or quieter than usual. I have a Runner Duck in there as well and she is not panting. Any thoughts on how to help this poor duckling?

 

[HeritageGoose13]

Is the brooder large enough that she can move away from the lamp if she wants? Pekins are larger, fluffier and fatter than runners so they hold heat in better. This is why she is panting while the runner is okay.

 

[BayBay Peepers]

I would make sure you have a shaded spot in the brooder. I have larger ducks and as ducklings they spent most of their time outside of the heat lamps range.

 

[PowellAnimals]

I went ahead and moved them all into a larger enclosure. I also put in a box on its side so they can run into it for some shade. She is still laying in the middle with the rest of the chicks and panting. I am going to stick in a dish with some shallow water to see if she wants to get in and swim.

 

[BayBay Peepers]

You could also let them take a dip in the sink or tub for a few minutes. Just make sure to dry them off really well after.

That way your brooder stays a bit cleaner and dryer.

 

[PowellAnimals]

She's had a few swims and is still panting. It isn't constant quite often. I am out of ideas. I posted a few pictures so you can see her and the cage (lined with cardboard to keep the cats out). Anyone see anything I am doing wrong that could be causing this?

 

[BayBay Peepers]

What is the temp in the most shaded spot?

 

[PowellAnimals]

79 degrees right now per the thermometer. Can that still be too hot for a week old duckling?

 

[BayBay Peepers]

It might be if it's that much larger. Any way of moving the heat over a bit to try and cool off that corner more? Is he/she drinking enough?

 

[PowellAnimals]

She has been eating and drinking well and has been active since I have had her with no changes. I went ahead and turned off the light for now since the chicks weren't huddled together and so far no panting. That is a relief as I was sure there was something wrong and it wasn't the temperature. I will be moving the heat lamp to just shine over one corner and keeping it off as long as the chicks don't seem cold. Hopefully heat was the problem and we have that solved. Thank you so much for the help!