Is this normal behavior?

[baileyf]

so this isn't a concern like maybe early sign of illness? it worries me because of the tail thumbing. we are moving them to their coop this week.

 

[Galaxyfalcon]

It could be an illness but this also just looks like a panting duckling. I would try angling the heat lamp away or raising it up a bit more. I'm hoping someone with more experience can chime in though.

 

[baileyf]

It could be an illness but this also just looks like a panting duckling. I would try angling the heat lamp away or raising it up a bit more. I'm hoping someone with more experience can chime in though.

I raised it up higher since she's getting bigger and it seemed to do the trick! She's not panting anymore and her tail is thumping.

 

[igorsMistress]

it seems like normal behavior to me other than maybe temp as others have mentioned. Perhaps a bit of nervousness since you’re there. My ducklings were out from under the heat plate by about a week old and it was in the 40s at night. If they’re inside they likely don’t even need the heat.

 

[baileyf]

it seems like normal behavior to me other than maybe temp as others have mentioned. Perhaps a bit of nervousness since you’re there. My ducklings were out from under the heat plate by about a week old and it was in the 40s at night. If they’re inside they likely don’t even need the heat.

They are in the garage. it has been getting pretty cold a lot of nights and it's not insulated in there. We have a cool side and they all gather to the warm side with the lamp, so you think I should still remove it? She seems good now that we moved the lamp highly up and not as close.

 

[igorsMistress]

They are in the garage. it has been getting pretty cold a lot of nights and it's not insulated in there. We have a cool side and they all gather to the warm side with the lamp, so you think I should still remove it? She seems good now that we moved the lamp highly up and not as close.

No if they are in the garage and spending their time on the warm side then it’s possibly too cold to go without.