Hello, all! A while back, I made a thread here on the duck board because I had ordered Call Duck hatching eggs spur of the moment and then realized I had no idea what I was doing. 
Well, some time later, here I am with the only call duckling to hatch out of those eggs on Friday. She has done really well thus far, started out really strong, but I'm getting concerned that she may not be as well as she seemed at first. I have had chickens for about 9 1/2 years now and that's all I really know, so I don't know if I'm getting overly concerned here for nothing, but I do worry about the little darling. So anyway, I'll try to highlight my concerns as clearly as possible. 
A few days ago, I noticed that she was scratching her face a lot and that her nose seemed plugged. Come to find out, I had misinterpreted the no swimming rule to mean she shouldn't be allowed to get wet, and she didn't have enough water to clean her nose out. I started giving her warm water baths every day and got her a deeper waterer (circa this thread) so that she could clean her nose out any time she needed. I have continued giving her a warm water bath, though, just once a day so she can play in the water. It seemed to take care of most of her issues, but I have noticed that I'm still seeing a bit of a runny nose from her, and she sneezes a bit still, too. At least, it sounds like a sneeze. Kind of a quick exhale through her nostrils? I searched for these symptoms and most people seemed to agree that this was not to be concerned about, just normal duck behavior. I am wondering, though, at what point does a runny nose become abnormal? I'm having to wipe her nose sometimes still, even though she has deep enough water to clean herself up. It's all clear with the exception of some food particles, but has that tackiness to it like mucus, so I know it's not just water.
Also, yesterday when she was in her bath, I noticed that she felt a little bit lighter than before, just the tiniest bit. She also feels a little bony. She eats and drinks as normal, runs around her brooder, plays in the water when I have her out, and believe me, she has not slowed down pooping! Her droppings seem normal, although never having ducks before, I'm not totally sure on that. They are a bit loose compared to chick droppings, and leave little rings from where the water in them absorbs into her bedding. I've not seen anything that would indicate she doesn't feel well except that she itches her face a lot. Could she still have something clogging her nose or throat, maybe? And if so, how in the world can I help her with this?
As for her living conditions, she is on paper towels and has an EcoGlow for warmth. I have a thermometer under there (which she has taken to sleeping with one wing on) and the temp reads fine for her age. She is fed an all-flock crumble, which I do see her eating, although she does seem to have to fight down some of the larger crumbles. I checked the label and it is 20% protein and has Niacin in it, so that's good, right? Her water is deep enough for her to get her head in to clean out her nose, just plain water but I can add vitamin/electrolyte powder if it seems necessary. She has had no contact with the outside world or vice versa, so if there is anything wrong it would have to be either a mistake on my part or something that came from the parent stock.
Wibbles and I would be grateful for any help or suggestions! Thanks!
Well, some time later, here I am with the only call duckling to hatch out of those eggs on Friday. She has done really well thus far, started out really strong, but I'm getting concerned that she may not be as well as she seemed at first. I have had chickens for about 9 1/2 years now and that's all I really know, so I don't know if I'm getting overly concerned here for nothing, but I do worry about the little darling. So anyway, I'll try to highlight my concerns as clearly as possible. A few days ago, I noticed that she was scratching her face a lot and that her nose seemed plugged. Come to find out, I had misinterpreted the no swimming rule to mean she shouldn't be allowed to get wet, and she didn't have enough water to clean her nose out. I started giving her warm water baths every day and got her a deeper waterer (circa this thread) so that she could clean her nose out any time she needed. I have continued giving her a warm water bath, though, just once a day so she can play in the water. It seemed to take care of most of her issues, but I have noticed that I'm still seeing a bit of a runny nose from her, and she sneezes a bit still, too. At least, it sounds like a sneeze. Kind of a quick exhale through her nostrils? I searched for these symptoms and most people seemed to agree that this was not to be concerned about, just normal duck behavior. I am wondering, though, at what point does a runny nose become abnormal? I'm having to wipe her nose sometimes still, even though she has deep enough water to clean herself up. It's all clear with the exception of some food particles, but has that tackiness to it like mucus, so I know it's not just water.
Also, yesterday when she was in her bath, I noticed that she felt a little bit lighter than before, just the tiniest bit. She also feels a little bony. She eats and drinks as normal, runs around her brooder, plays in the water when I have her out, and believe me, she has not slowed down pooping! Her droppings seem normal, although never having ducks before, I'm not totally sure on that. They are a bit loose compared to chick droppings, and leave little rings from where the water in them absorbs into her bedding. I've not seen anything that would indicate she doesn't feel well except that she itches her face a lot. Could she still have something clogging her nose or throat, maybe? And if so, how in the world can I help her with this?
As for her living conditions, she is on paper towels and has an EcoGlow for warmth. I have a thermometer under there (which she has taken to sleeping with one wing on) and the temp reads fine for her age. She is fed an all-flock crumble, which I do see her eating, although she does seem to have to fight down some of the larger crumbles. I checked the label and it is 20% protein and has Niacin in it, so that's good, right? Her water is deep enough for her to get her head in to clean out her nose, just plain water but I can add vitamin/electrolyte powder if it seems necessary. She has had no contact with the outside world or vice versa, so if there is anything wrong it would have to be either a mistake on my part or something that came from the parent stock.
Wibbles and I would be grateful for any help or suggestions!
Thanks!
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I hope so, anyway!
I wanted to be a vet, but it didn't take me long to realize I just don't have the stomach for it. I'll definitely keep you updated.
I didn't notice her itching her face as much when I was up there last, so maybe that's some progress. 
