Getting worse! Please help!

[newtoducks88]

Ok I have 4 ducklings. A few days ago I noticed a wet rashy spot on my biggest pekin. They are approx 2-3 weeks old. At first it was just the two Pekin I have but now it is all four of my babies. The biggest pekin (tweety) has it really bad. It's red from mid back up to his head and hot to touch. Is it mites? If so, how do I treat?!

Also some side notes:
Bedding is pine chips
In a plastic bin with heat lamp
Daily pin cleaning
Daily outside trips
Clean water multiple times a day
Clean food daily


This is my first go around with ducks and I have been trying to stay very educated but I am just beyond stumped on this one. It's breaking my heart. Thank you in advance for your help!

I will post pics in the reply area.

 

[newtoducks88]

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[newtoducks88]

 

[lomine]

Does it seem to be bothering them? It kind of looks like their feathers are coming in.

Generally speaking ducks don't get mites and such. Have you let them have access to water they can swim in? A nice warm bath (not too hot) would probably take anything off if it is mites.

 

[Amiga]

What is the temperature in the brooder? Does it seem really humid? Do they get time in water, splashing?

 

[newtoducks88]

The scratch a lot but that's about it.

The heat lamp is only on at night because they are in our mud room which doesn't have a air source other than window and door. They play outside for approx 3-4 hours a day and have access to water. I will def try the bath. I was just scared they would drown?? Any suggestions on that?

 

[lomine]

You'll want to limit their bath time at first. About 10-15 minutes. You can slowly add time as they get bigger and stronger. Don't leave them alone during bath time. If they look like they are getting tired (slowing down) or swimming low in the water take them out right away. Their baby down isn't water proof so it will get wet and weigh them down. Towel them off after bath time and put them under the heat lamp so they warm up.

 

[Orca5094]

Is it possible the heat lamp is down too close to them and they are getting burned? Other than that, I am at a loss. :/

 

[newtoducks88]

We tried the bath! It looks like it worked! They look like they feel so much better! I figured an inch of play water would do the trick but apparently they needed 6 inches of bath water lol. They might be very spoiled babies!!! They are back in their pin under their lamp. Bath was about 15 mins long. My biggest pekin (tweety) probably could've stayed longer but I didn't want to jinx it.

 

[Amiga]