duckling sneezing

[redbugs13]

I have 2 khaki campbell ducklings, about 4 weeks old. They are in with 2 baby runners about a week to 2 weeks, also I have 6 chicks that are 3-4 weeks. They are all in the same brooder. A couple days ago, I noticed that the bigger of the khaki campbell's nose was clogged with snot. I went to my feed store and asked about antibiotics, she was going to make sure it would be ok to give the ducks and chicks, I went back yesterday and bought it, I think its called duramyacin (sp?) I can't remember for sure, its at home and Im at work. Anyway, I noticed my other khaki campbell was sneezing this morning. I mixed the antibiotic in with their water this morning, it says I should see a noticeable difference in 3 days.

Just checking to see if Im doing the right thing and if I should do something different?

Thanks

 

[WalkingWolf]

Quote:
Now that you started the course of anti-biotics you must finish it. But it is normal for ducklings and ducks to sneeze. Especially as they start to loose down and feather. At four weeks this process should be in full tilt as their feathers are coming in rapidly. It is important that they have fresh water at all times during this stage. You should see them preening a lot. If they were active they probably were not sick. But as all animals including us have small amounts of bacteria in our systems if you do not continue the bacteria will become stronger and then be resistant.

Make sure to give them some small amounts of yogurt with their food as the digestive tract will lose it's beneficial bacteria. I would also add poultry vitamins as well as they will not digest vitimins from food as well while on anti-biotics.

You will probably be sneezing during this stage too, do not be alarmed the dander from the new feathers gets everywhere. You are not sick if this happens.

I forgot to add the water container must be deep enough that they can submerge their head in the water. You will often see them blow bubbles while playing in the water, they are blowing their nose.

 

[redbugs13]

Thanks for you reply. I panicked and started the antibiotics before coming here, as I don't have internet at home, the lady at the feed store said that a respiratory problem could take them very quickly.

It says the antibiotics should be given to them 5-14 days. Since they don't necessarily need to be on it can I stop at 5 days? And continue the yogurt and poultry vitamins for a few days longer?

Thanks again

 

[WalkingWolf]

Quote:
I have never used anti-biotics yet at least on poultry. I have used them on my dogs after snake bites. I would say split the difference and go 7 days, unless someone here has more experience. Any time there is a respitory on any bird or us as far as that is concerned the animal or person becomes lethargic. If your ducks were not active and not eating then I would have agreed with the feed store.

 

[redbugs13]

Thanks so much for your responses. I am kinda nervous now because I didn't really need to do the antibiotics. They lady at the feed store said, that it would be ok for all of them to take, it would just prevent everyone else from catching something. This is my first time with ducklings. I will pick up some yogurt and poultry vitamins on the way home and make sure that their water dish is deep enough.
I was taking them out to the coop during the day with a heat lamp and then bringing them in at night as it is still getting into the 30's at night, and I was afraid that they got to cold being in the coop and were catching a cold.

 

[WalkingWolf]

Quote:
I don't think the anti-biotics will hurt them. Many people just give them anti-biotics for no reason, I don't agree with that but their chicks do fine. At a month old ducks can take far more temp fluctuations than chickens, so you were doing just fine. Hey I got worried on my first pair of ducks when I saw them sneezing, just happened that a friend told me it was normal. I would not be nervous you did what you thought best.