Help! I have a wheezy duckling!

[megsjo]

I recently bought four ancona ducklings that are about a month old last week. One of them has become wheezy and is panting constantly. This has been going on for about two days. He’s still eating and drinking, but he’s isolating himself and his little chest is really heaving. I’ve given him several baths hoping his nostrils are just blocked, and I’ve put him in his own box away from the heat lamp just in case he was hot. I did that for several hours at room temperature but he’s still panting. I’m running out of ideas and if he doesn’t get better soon I’ll take him to the vet but I’d rather not put him in the car again, taking him home stressed them out a lot. If anyone has any ideas they would be greatly appreciated.

 

[venymae]

@casportpony

 

[chickens really]

Hello, do you provide water at all times that is deep enough to dunk heads to clear eyes and nares?..Possibly the Brooder is too warm?.Also stress can cause Ducks to pant..Could be infection in his lungs too?..Hard to say..

 

[megsjo]

Yes their conditions were right, I have nine others in the same place and they all have been fine. Thank you for your suggestions! I took him to the vet this morning and he has pneumonia. They think it was trauma induced from the people I bought him from, I rescued him and three others from a pretty shady petting zoo so I was expecting some problems. He’s staying there for a couple of days on oxygen and antibiotics, I’m not sure he’ll make it but at least now he’s more comfortable. He’s still eating and drinking and he was feisty when I took him over to the vet so maybe he’ll pull through. Fingers crossed!

 

[chickens really]

Yes their conditions were right, I have nine others in the same place and they all have been fine. Thank you for your suggestions! I took him to the vet this morning and he has pneumonia. They think it was trauma induced from the people I bought him from, I rescued him and three others from a pretty shady petting zoo so I was expecting some problems. He’s staying there for a couple of days on oxygen and antibiotics, I’m not sure he’ll make it but at least now he’s more comfortable. He’s still eating and drinking and he was feisty when I took him over to the vet so maybe he’ll pull through. Fingers crossed!

Best of luck to you and the Duck...

 

[Miss Lydia]

@megsjo how is your duckling doing today any news from the vet?

 

[megsjo]

He passed away at the vet’s office this morning. They had him on oxygen and antibiotics all night but he didn’t make it. We’ve had a pretty sad morning but the other nine are doing great so we’re ruling out an infectious disease thank goodness. I tried not to get attached to my ducklings until they were bigger but this one was such a cuddly sweet little guy that it was hard not to. We have six khaki Campbells, two chocolate anconas, and one black Ancona left. You were right on my other thread, by the way. Once you get started with these guys it’s hard to stop. My poor husband has had to expand his coop plans quite a bit since our humble six buff Orpington pullets.

 

[Lil' Chicky :)]

Yes their conditions were right, I have nine others in the same place and they all have been fine. Thank you for your suggestions! I took him to the vet this morning and he has pneumonia. They think it was trauma induced from the people I bought him from, I rescued him and three others from a pretty shady petting zoo so I was expecting some problems. He’s staying there for a couple of days on oxygen and antibiotics, I’m not sure he’ll make it but at least now he’s more comfortable. He’s still eating and drinking and he was feisty when I took him over to the vet so maybe he’ll pull through. Fingers crossed!

I hope he's ok

 

[Miss Lydia]

So very sorry. It's hard not to get attached right off they are all so precious.

Happy to hear the other 9 are doing great!!

 

[happy duck]

so sorry. I hope all the others do fine.