Hello everyone! I have 4 new muscovy ducklings only a couple days old and this morning, I noticed one of them breathing weird and wasn't running around with the rest. As the day goes on I've noticed his breathing getting worse he has no interest in water or food what so ever. I've been trying to give him water with electrolytes all morning but still see no signs of improvement. (Most of the water he just spits out or it drains out). He's very lethargic and unwilling to move. He makes very odd sounds that sound more like whines then peeping. He won't hold his head up anymore and still has labored breathing when he's awake he makes popping sounds with his beak (like popping bubbles) as he open and closed his mouth. Can anyone help?! I'm at a loss and feel like I will lose this little guy shortly... All the others are completely fine.
It could be shipping sickness, a genetic deformity, crop impaction, or dust up its nostrils (can it clean out its nostrils?). Keep him warm and try tube feeding if at all possible. Try some antibiotics.
I'm really sorry, it sounds like he won't make it. But don't give up yet, there is always hope.
Just a few drops of apple cider vinegar in two cups of water for the head washing would add a very mild antimicrobial effect, from what I have read. Not strong, just a few drops.
If the little one doesn't know what to do with the head washer, try very gently dipping the bill into it, and then see if he or she gets the idea.
Unfortunately he did not make it and I was curious if it was a deformity. I've read about some ducks with the same symptoms die from a heart defect but still wanted to get others opinions incase he did make it and I could help. We tried antibiotics and electrolytes. They were just ducklings from my muscovys here. We had issues with the last couple ducklings not drinking when they were with mom so this time we took them from her the minute they hatched. I was worried that the bedding (hay) would have mold so I got new and replaced it often. Everything seemed to be clear from any dust or food. I'm wondering if it still could be from the hay? Maybe one mold spore? I switched the three I have left to a towel that I'm frequently switching out to prevent any other issues.
Thanks everyone for the help! I appriciate all the knowledge I can get from everyone to keep improving my know how and give my ducks and ducklings a better life!
