Sick Duck?

[Candyland430]

This is my first time raising ducklings. I have 4 that are about a week old. I noticed one is breathing heavier then the others. It is eating and drinking but occasionally sneezes. Nothing comes out and there is no drainage. Should I be concerned?

 

[PATOS]

photos?

 

[PirateGirl]

This is my first time raising ducklings. I have 4 that are about a week old. I noticed one is breathing heavier then the others. It is eating and drinking but occasionally sneezes. Nothing comes out and there is no drainage. Should I be concerned?

What kind of bedding are they on? Ducklings are short and bedding can be dusty and they are right down in it. An occasional sneeze in the brooder is not uncommon. Keep an eye out as you have been to see if more start sneezing or the sneezes become more frequent. You can try using an old bath towel in the bottom of the brooder instead of pine shavings or straw and see if that helps.

 

[Candyland430]

photos?

I have no photos but when I get home I will try to figure out how to post one

 

[PirateGirl]

Oh, and do they have water deep enough that they can dunk their heads? Sometimes they just need a good clean out of their nose/mouth/eyes/etc.

 

[Candyland430]

What kind of bedding are they on? Ducklings are short and bedding can be dusty and they are right down in it. An occasional sneeze in the brooder is not uncommon. Keep an eye out as you have been to see if more start sneezing or the sneezes become more frequent. You can try using an old bath towel in the bottom of the brooder instead of pine shavings or straw and see if that helps.

I am using pine pellets

 

[Candyland430]

Oh, and do they have water deep enough that they can dunk their heads? Sometimes they just need a good clean out of their nose/mouth/eyes/etc.

I did not know this before last night when we started reading on here. I put a bowl for them to dunk their heads in and they went crazy! Hoping that will help take care of the problem! We would hate to lose one!

 

[PATOS]

The key is drinking and eating- and activity- ducks get colds- my ducklings gave me a sinus infection! seriously!

 

[PirateGirl]

Sneezing can be normal in the brooder, but it can also be a sign of illness. Keep an eye on them, watch for the things you are already looking at, drainage/discharge, not eating/drinking, acting lethargic, more sneezing etc. I was so paranoid when I had a sneezing duckling, but everything was just fine.

 

[FluffTheDuck]

x2 on everything said