Ducklings panting but not too hot?

[FrancineL]

I have two one week old buff ducklings who keep opening their bills like they are panting. The brooder is at 87 degrees under the heat lamp and they have a small bowl that is big enough for them to dunk their heads in to clear out anything in their nostrils. Could they just be nervous?

 

[Isaac 0]

Chances are, they're hot. The brooder should be big enough so they can adequately move away from the heat as needed, and find their sweet spot, If you have a bigger brooder, like a kiddie pool, I would suggest moving them there. To check if its heat-related, just set them in a basket at room temp for a minute or two, and the panting should stop.

...........Welcome to BackYard Chickens!

 

[FrancineL]

Chances are, they're hot. The brooder should be big enough so they can adequately move away from the heat as needed, and find their sweet spot, If you have a bigger brooder, like a kiddie pool, I would suggest moving them there. To check if its heat-related, just set them in a basket at room temp for a minute or two, and the panting should stop.

...........Welcome to BackYard Chickens!

Thank you! When I initially noticed it I was confused because they were both directly under the heat lamp and were making no attempts to move to the cooler side of the brooder. I just went to check on them and they’ve moved to the cooler side and seem to be okay now. If they start again I’ll use the basket idea! Thanks again

 

[Isaac 0]

Thank you! When I initially noticed it I was confused because they were both directly under the heat lamp and were making no attempts to move to the cooler side of the brooder. I just went to check on them and they’ve moved to the cooler side and seem to be okay now. If they start again I’ll use the basket idea! Thanks again

Ducks can be a little silly sometimes, and do that. The main key is that they have plenty of room to move away from the heat. Fill free to post some pictures of the little guys when you have the chance!