Ducklings Scratching

[melibelly83]

I have two ducklings that are 10 days old. They are both kept indoors in a tub with a heat lamp at the moment. One of them has been scratching his/her neck until it is pink and almost all the down has fallen off and it is bare. I had them on pine shavings in the tub. Could this be an allergic reaction to pine? Today I switch them to straw. I hope it helps. Any advice on this would be appreciated. Is there something to treat the ducking with?
THanks!

 

[70%cocoa]

Sorry to hear about your duckling...

Possibilities include an ear or eye infection, a neurological condition (can be caused by a virus) or ear mites. Mites are the least likely though since your birds are so young and kept in a brooder.

Other than a visit to a vet, all I can suggest are bird vitamins, non-scratchy bedding (I use old towels) and general all round TLC (ie warmth and good quality food).

Hopefully someone who has experienced this themselves will be along soon.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have two ducklings that are 10 days old. They are both kept indoors in a tub with a heat lamp at the moment. One of them has been scratching his/her neck until it is pink and almost all the down has fallen off and it is bare. I had them on pine shavings in the tub. Could this be an allergic reaction to pine? Today I switch them to straw. I hope it helps. Any advice on this would be appreciated. Is there something to treat the ducking with?
THanks!

you might try putting something like Triple antibiotic salve on it, maybe she is just itchy from loosing her down. are you giving them swim time? that may help. Warm water and something to stand on in the tub in case they get tired. and the shaving could be bothering her. hopefully switching to straw will help. Let us know how she is over the next few days. AND