I scared my duck and think i gave it a heart attack!

[thumper650]

You should make some noise or talk to them so they know it's you. I always start saying "good morning quackers" as I'm approaching their house in the morning so they know it's me. Might help with little ones too.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I try to announce myself. In a soft voice I call out, "Hello, fuzzy butts". Or "Good morning, sillies."
We also have them out in a building and the seal of the door makes a sound which startled them at first. Now, they don't care.

 

[Hmeddaugh]

This sounds very similar to something I experienced with my Buff duckling a few wks ago. The first time it happened I found her (could be a him-not sure yet) on her back but all the symptoms/recovery were exactly as you described except for the heavy breaths. The second time I opened the door very quickly and saw her get up quickly and fall flat on her belly. Only happened twice and there have been no more episodes. Fainting (as others have said) is a great way to describe it because that's almost what it seems to be. I was like you and scared I would find mine dead one morning too. I really hope it just disappears as it did for mine

I asked my husband to check on her again becauae he leaves super early and if she had passed disnt want to be the one to find her (currently pregnant and a wreck) well she was alive but as soon as he opened the door and turned the light on she did it again. So im wondering is it like having a seizure from the light being pit on. I hope she will snap out of it also!!! You give me a little hope

 

[Miss Lydia]

Startled is what is triggering it put a night light in their room if your not using a heat lamp because going from complete darkness to all of a sudden bright light can cause what your seeing. A very soft light just enough for you to be able to see them but won't keep them awake. And like others have said start talking to them right as the door opens.

 

[chickens really]

Hello, your correct It's from suddenly turning on the light.
I agree. Keep a dim light on at night.
Best wishes..

 

[Tiggrsbounc]

I asked my husband to check on her again becauae he leaves super early and if she had passed disnt want to be the one to find her (currently pregnant and a wreck) well she was alive but as soon as he opened the door and turned the light on she did it again. So im wondering is it like having a seizure from the light being pit on. I hope she will snap out of it also!!! You give me a little hope

I'm not a duck expert, not even close, just my own experience in those two episodes but the light was never an issue for mine. We always had a small lamp on in the room and in the evenings and overnight I always kept their heat lamp on (red bulb) but if the sudden light is what is scaring yours, it is most likely triggering the "fainting". As other members said, talk to them and make some noise to let them know you're coming. I would usually turn the door handle a few times to make some noise and talk to them as I opened the door. Keep us updated, please.

 

[llombardo]

I started coughing and making noise before I enter. When they hear me they start making noise and I know they are up and ready to go

 

[Hmeddaugh]

Thank you all so much! I will definitely get a light for in there! Im so happy its not turning into something serious.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Your using niacin in some form right? Brewers yeat ,nutritional yeast, reg niacin?

 

[Boonie Stomper]

I asked my husband to check on her again becauae he leaves super early and if she had passed disnt want to be the one to find her (currently pregnant and a wreck) well she was alive but as soon as he opened the door and turned the light on she did it again. So im wondering is it like having a seizure from the light being pit on. I hope she will snap out of it also!!! You give me a little hope

Have you considered leaving the door open with a gate across the opening?