Pekin duck not well.

[Duckowner1479]

I am worried about my Pekin duckling. She / he is less than a month old and seems to be having some breathing issues. The duckling seems to have labored / heavy breathing, but is active, not hot and doesn’t have a loss of appetite. I’m not sure what’s wrong and I’m quite worried. My other duckling seems to be fine. The Pekin duckling also has no issue with making noise, she makes the normal noises when she’s happy or away from the other duckling for a few seconds. She also seems fine when she’s asleep, but when awake she has heavy breathing.

 

[Isaac 0]

Hi, Welcome to BYC!

To eliminate overheating, could you set the ducklings in a basket, and set it in an area around room temp and see if the panting stops? What breed are your other ducklings?

 

[Duckowner1479]

My other breed is a Muscovy. I first thought it was overheating, but they’re both in a room temperature room. The heavy breathing seems to be on and off.

 

[Isaac 0]

My other breed is a Muscovy. I first thought it was overheating, but they’re both in a room temperature room. The heavy breathing seems to be on and off.

Many Pekins duck owners have reported the same problem with their ducks, which seems to be an overheating issue, surprising even at room temps. If she isn't exhibiting any other symptoms I wouldn't be concerned.

 

[Duckowner1479]

Many Pekins duck owners have reported the same problem with their ducks, which seems to be an overheating issue, surprising even at room temps. If she isn't exhibiting any other symptoms I wouldn't be concerned.

Okay, good. That’s reassuring and good to know. Thank you for the help.

 

[Isaac 0]

Please let us know if your duck begins to show signs of foamy eye, lethargy, discharge from the eye nares, puffed up stance, anorexia, or increased breathing. You're Welcome.

 

[arcalinea]

My 5-week old Pekins also breathe heavily. I have a few guesses: either they're overheating, they're too fat so any exertion makes them pant (pekins are meat ducks and grow surprisingly fast), or their bedding is giving them breathing issues. I kept mine in a wood box with pine shavings that got damp, and that might have caused problems.