Pekin Duckling Honking?

[Mismetic]

Is this normal? First year having ducks, they are almost 3 weeks old. Is this one just finding it's voice, or is there a respiratory issue?

https://streamable.com/oszngm

 

[KathiQuacks]

While that does sound like a girl getting her voice, it is also an odd sound to be making. Sounds like she’s honking with each exhale. Is it a constant noise? Do the ducklings have a deep water dish so they can clean out their nares & eyes?
@ruthhope @Jenbirdee

 

[ruthhope]

Is this normal? First year having ducks, they are almost 3 weeks old. Is this one just finding it's voice, or is there a respiratory issue?

https://streamable.com/oszngm

The little fluffy looks alert. I haven't had one make a noise like that. As @KathiQuacks suggested, be sure the ducklings have access to water deep enough to dunk their whole heads. I see there is at least one chick in there. water tubs for ducklings are different than those for chicks. I lidded tub with a hole cut large enough for a duckling head but not large enough for a chick to get inside is what is needed.

I would keep a close eye on the duckling -- to ensure it is eating and drinking normally -- if necessary partition off a corner of the brooder for the duckling can have its own food and drink, and where it can see and be seen but is separate from the others

 

[Mismetic]

Thank you both for your replies! I have four ducklings and this is the only one making the noise. I did purchase a water tub specific for the ducks but removed it due to fear that a chick would stumble in and either get wet and cold or accidentally drown. I do let my ducklings in the tub with warm water every single night deep enough to wash out their eyes and nares. The one honking continues to do so, even fresh out of the bath.

I've just ordered a separate area to brood the ducks that way I can provide them with a deep water tub without fear of any chicks stumbling in.

 

[Jenbirdee]

some of my home made ducklings waterers , I upgrade to the ones with larger holes as they grow

 

[Mismetic]

I just wanted to thank you guys again for your comments and suggestions! Here is an photo of the new duckling brooder I have set up for the four of them. They seem happy to be free of the chicks, and the chicks appear happy to be free of the ducks lol.

We do have a heat lamp for them but I'm not sure if they need it? When they were with the chicks they never really used the brooding plate. For reference they are 3 weeks old and our basement where they are brooded sits at 65°F. What do you guys recommend? Still providing heat or no?

 

[ruthhope]

View attachment 4091941

I just wanted to thank you guys again for your comments and suggestions! Here is an photo of the new duckling brooder I have set up for the four of them. They seem happy to be free of the chicks, and the chicks appear happy to be free of the ducks lol.

We do have a heat lamp for them but I'm not sure if they need it? When they were with the chicks they never really used the brooding plate. For reference they are 3 weeks old and our basement where they are brooded sits at 65°F. What do you guys recommend? Still providing heat or no?

You will probably get away with not using a heat lamp. I, just today, rescued 2 little Pekin ducklings that appear to be only 2 weeks old. One has no feathers and the other just has the suggestion of tail feathers. They were seen in gardens on one road two days ago and then appeared in gardens on the next road over yesterday. They were taken in to a rear porch last night, but the night before they were out on their own with a low of 68F. The two are now sleeping in a small dog crate in my duck house. If I had raised them myself, they would still be in a brooder in the house with the heat lamp (my house is air conditioner during the day). But as they have been outside for at least 2 nights, I think it is warm enough in the duck house for them. And they are a week younger than yours. Your 4 will snuggle up close together to keep warn

 

[ruthhope]

You will probably get away with not using a heat lamp. I, just today, rescued 2 little Pekin ducklings that appear to be only 2 weeks old. One has no feathers and the other just has the suggestion of tail feathers. They were seen in gardens on one road two days ago and then appeared in gardens on the next road over yesterday. They were taken in to a rear porch last night, but the night before they were out on their own with a low of 68F. The two are now sleeping in a small dog crate in my duck house. If I had raised them myself, they would still be in a brooder in the house with the heat lamp (my house is air conditioner during the day). But as they have been outside for at least 2 nights, I think it is warm enough in the duck house for them. And they are a week younger than yours. Your 4 will snuggle up close together to keep warn

Our temperatures have plummeted, particularly at night and so I have had to bring g my 2 new du cc klings into the house. They came in last night and slept in a pet carrier. But it's not warm enough for them to go out today. I am setting up the brooder in the bath until the weathercwarms up again or they are old enoughbto brave the temperature outside!