Respiratory problems

[J.R. Pigman]

Hey guys, long time no see!

My drake is having a hard time breathing since he started molting. He's lost energy, and hasn't grown his feathers back yet, but is still eating and drinking. He used to chase the dog, and now stands around or swims in the pond. The worst part is a couple nights in the last 2 weeks he hasn't been with his 2 girls when it's time to go in the duck house, he was standing in the yard or swimming in the pond, and didn't want to go in. I could have cleaned their house more, but it's been cleaned twice in the two weeks since this happened, same as usual. He's not getting better or worse, and I don't know what to do for him. I'm a step away from taking the day off and taking him in to the bird vet, which is not a small task for me.

Does this just happen sometimes, or am I right and he needs to get some antibiotics?

 

[Amiga]

My feeling is he really needs to see a vet, and likely needs oral or injectable antibiotics a.s.a.p.

Sorry he is not well. Have you given him vitamins?

You mention cleaning the house more. Do you suspect an environmental problem, like moldy bedding? I find when something crosses my mind like that, it is best to go with it, and do a thorough clean out if you feel that will improve his condition.

 

[J.R. Pigman]

That's all I needed to hear. I'll bring him in tomorrow.

He's had no vitamins, but eats like a king. He gets all kinds of greens, corn in the morning, and as much grain as he wants midday. I don't really worry about his nutrition situation. He doesn't seem to be hunting bugs like he was, but has plenty to eat and is interested in it. Would vitamins provide something he's not getting?

You're right, anytime you think you might need to clean out the house you should. I just feel like it has been pretty clean in there, and that this whole change seemed to coincide with his molting more than any change to the status quo. On the other hand, I keep reading about breathing problems being related to moist unsanitary environments, and it makes me paranoid.

I just want to help him feel better

 

[Amiga]

If I feel a duck is a little off, then I add extra vitamins, since I know that when my body is fighting something, it needs more than the normal amount.

Hope you can get him in today and get him fixed up.

Sometimes it feels like I die a thousand deaths, concerned about whether there are the beginnings of mold in the bedding, or ammonia, or poisonous spiders, or or or . . . .

Then there is the worry about hardware disease. "HOW did that screw get HERE????" "WHY do people toss their trash so far into my yard that it drifts over to where the ducks forage???"

Predators, viral and bacterial infections . . . Yes, I have many more gray hairs and wrinkles than I did a few years ago before raising ducks. (It's not all their fault that I am "of a certain age"

)

At the same time, I have had many many glorious, joyous times watching these beautiful and fascinating creatures. So I am more blessed than burdened. Praying your guy has something minor and easily dealt with.

Praying also he is cooperative.

 

[J.R. Pigman]

Well shoot, they can't see him until tomorrow. I'll clean out the house and hope one more day isn't the difference for him.

I did feed him an extra large bowl of corn this morning, which he ate all of, and then drank the corn water, so he has a healthy appetite. I really hope this is just a simple infection and he just needs a shot of the good stuff to get back on his little webbed feet.

 

[Amiga]

Ooh, wish they could get him in today.

Can you keep him in a different place, just in case he is sensitive to something in the coop? Of course, that may not be the best idea, since separation would certainly be stressful.

Do you have poultry vitamins? Or at least some unpasteurized apple cider vinegar you could add a few tablespoons to each gallon of water for the next day or three?

 

[J.R. Pigman]

I can move him to the guest bathroom, which is where our ducks convalesce when they are feeling under the weather, but yeah, I worry about separating him from the girls. It's very cute, I think they watch him. One will go off and play and the other stands or swims next to him. I would just move them all in there, but I also have a 4 month old and the thunder of the girl ducks quacks will not be good for anyone's rest.

I don't have poultry vitamins, but I can swing by the farm and feed on the way home.

 

[Amiga]

I think it would be good to have some on hand in any case. I'd give you some of mine if you were closer.

 

[J.R. Pigman]

Will do, thanks for your help! I'll report back after he gets to see the duck doctor.

 

[Amiga]

Hugs to duckie!