Duckling respiratory distress — please help!

[VegetableControl3]

Hi all, I’ve had chickens before but never ducks, and I can’t find a backyard duck site so I’m hoping someone here can help. I bought six 2-3 week old Pekin ducklings from Tractor Supply (I know, first mistake) and two of them have since come down with labored breathing/panting/wheezing and slight nasal discharge (in one, at least.) The first one to exhibit signs was punier than his brethren so when he started distressed breathing on Friday morning, I hoped he would be the only one. My farm vet examined him on Friday afternoon and advised euthanasia. Respiratory distress in a bird that young had a very poor prognosis/pretty much no hope, she said. So we euthanized him, and I reported the death to the PA Department of Ag’s avian influenza hotline. They came to get him this morning and will likely test and report back tomorrow (Monday.) Bird flu has already been confirmed in a chicken flock north of me in Butler, PA and in crows near Pittsburgh so I’m trying to be careful.​

The next day, Saturday, another duckling started showing the same systems. I finally got some powdered antibiotic to treat their drinking water but I fear it will be too little too late for him. His chest appears to be swollen on the right side. I just feel terrible I couldn’t bring myself to euthanize him myself over the weekend.
Anyway, I’m wondering if there’s any hope or if I should put him down ASAP tomorrow, assuming he makes it through the night. I’ve been reading about nebulizing birds etc. but I don’t know if that would help him. I don’t want him to keep suffering. My farm vet is awesome but she specializes in cattle and horses, not poultry. Please advise! And thank you in advance.

 

[Sondraa]

What is the temp in the brooder? What kind of bedding have you provided and is their water dual deep enough for them to submerge their heads? Ducks, unlike chickens need to be able to submerge their heads to clean their nares and keep their airways clean.

 

[Sondraa]

Dusty bedding can cause espiratory problems with young ducklings as well.

 

[Sondraa]

There are lots of duck experts on here so don't worry. Let's rule out easy stuff first.

 

[Sondraa]

It's 1130 pm where I am so I am going to call some people in diff time zone and with amazing experience to help you in case I am asleep before you respond.

@Jenbirdee
@Wyorp Rock

 

[Eggcessive]

There should not be a risk buying ducklings at a feed store since they came from a hatchery. Do you have other types of poultry or chickens? I am not an expert on ducks but many on here have them. There is a duck forum at the top of this page by clicking on Forums and scrolling down to other poultry and then ducks. They do need a container to dunk their beaks and head into, or they may have eye issues or respiratory problems.

 

[Jenbirdee]

@Sondraa has asked good questions. I’m looking forward to your reply.

 

[Jenbirdee]

@VegetableControl3 how is your ducklings today?

 

[Sondraa]

Yrs, please update. We are all hoping for the best and jenbirdee is a duck expert!

 

[VegetableControl3]

Hi all,
Thank you for taking the time to write back. I’m sorry for the delay in responding. Sadly, that little duckling died yesterday morning. It was absolutely awful. I should have culled him myself but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. At least the remaining four appear to be healthy and growing. The temp in the brooder is 80 degrees (they’re about 3 weeks old) and they’re on pine shavings (bagged from Tractor Supply) that I change out daily. They didn’t have a way to dunk their heads before but they do now. I’ve ordered them an 84 inch plastic (not inflatable) baby pool with a drain to be their next-size-up brooder and their swimming pool later. I am also reading a beginner’s book on ducks by Gail Damerow as quickly as I can! I would welcome any suggestions.