Sneezing Duckling

[HaileyBelle]

Hi all! I have a duckling who is almost 2 weeks, on Wednesday. He has been sneezing a bit. Its not to bad but its definitely there. He also seems to breath a little heavy at times, at one point it was almost panting. He is all alone so no one else can catch anything, Other than the sneezing he is very healthy! Yes, his water bowl is definitely deep enough and he has no discharge from anywhere. Thanks so much in advance! Im just starting to get super worried!

Update: I have noticed that his breathing is slightly heavy more constantly. Im not sure what would be normal breating though. Sorry for this just being me rambling but I'm worried. Thanks

 

[Amiga]

If you can get a video uploaded that would help.

Ducks can develop respiratory infections, and those can turn fatal - ducks will hide illness till it's too late. I would seriously consider a vet visit if that is at all possible.

Some respiratory infections are viral or fungal. Antibiotics will not help those, though they may treat secondary bacterial infections that can set in during the virus or fungus problem.

Building up immunity can help (vitamins with probiotics for example), making sure the temperature is right, that there is no mold in the environment or the food.

 

[HaileyBelle]

I just made an account here, I'm not sure if it works though.

 

[Orca5094]

In that video he looks ok to me, maybe he's just getting a little too warm sometimes? They will often stick their legs out like that to try and cool down a little. Looks like he was just stretching in the video, but does he lay with his legs out like that alot while breathing heavier/panting?

Additionally, can you see if there is any dried food stuck in his nares? That can happen sometimes and will cause them to sneeze and breathe heavier. Is he getting bath time every day? A nice bath in lukewarm water daily helps them clear out their nares and keep clean.

 

[HaileyBelle]

In that video he looks ok to me, maybe he's just getting a little too warm sometimes? They will often stick their legs out like that to try and cool down a little. Looks like he was just stretching in the video, but does he lay with his legs out like that alot while breathing heavier/panting?

Additionally, can you see if there is any dried food stuck in his nares? That can happen sometimes and will cause them to sneeze and breathe heavier. Is he getting bath time every day? A nice bath in lukewarm water daily helps them clear out their nares and keep clean.

He puts his leg out sometimes. Not a lot but he does it at least once or twice when I hold him.

I know you're supposed to be able to see straight though their nares, I can see through but it looks like there may be something there. How do I know for sure? and How could I get it out? I try to give him a warm bath at least every day or every other day. He loves them so I know its something that should be done at least everyday.

His heavy breathing is definitely more there when I hold him, and I feel like maybe his sneezing is getting more prominent.

 

[PotatoWaffles]

A majority of the ducklings I have brooded sneezed frequently, but they turned out quite fine. Brooders can get dusty, and frequent cleanings (which are so necessary because they are messy buggers) stir up dust and particles. They are always shoving their heads in their water and their bedding, so some sneezing, in my opinion, is pretty normal. They even seem to have "runny noses", but they were fine. It's hard to tell how much is too much and when to worry. Be sure they have fresh water to dunk their heads and clean their nares. You might try adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to their water to help with sniffles. If they are panting heavily, you might try raising the heat bulb a little. And bathtime! They start going into these little crazy adorable fits where they dunk their heads repeatedly and blow bubbles out of their nose, which is probably a good thing. And it's super cute. Sounds like little toots, lol.

 

[Amiga]

I think you are right to share this - sometimes problems start out seemingly benign.

At the same time, if the environment is healthy, and you are supporting the duckling's growth and development with good food, fresh water, supervised swim time in water the same temperature as the brooder, and once every week or two some vitamins (if you are concerned about possible health issue), ducklings are pretty resilient little critters.

If your gut is telling you something - you may want to check with a vet.

 

[HaileyBelle]

A majority of the ducklings I have brooded sneezed frequently, but they turned out quite fine. Brooders can get dusty, and frequent cleanings (which are so necessary because they are messy buggers) stir up dust and particles. They are always shoving their heads in their water and their bedding, so some sneezing, in my opinion, is pretty normal. They even seem to have "runny noses", but they were fine. It's hard to tell how much is too much and when to worry. Be sure they have fresh water to dunk their heads and clean their nares. You might try adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to their water to help with sniffles. If they are panting heavily, you might try raising the heat bulb a little. And bathtime! They start going into these little crazy adorable fits where they dunk their heads repeatedly and blow bubbles out of their nose, which is probably a good thing. And it's super cute. Sounds like little toots, lol.

If I already add niacin, should I still add apple cider vinegar? And how much should I add per gallon? Most of the time he only breathes heavy when he is laying on me. I raised his light higher, so right now I believe its at about 70/75 degrees and he's about to be 2 weeks. Would that be to cold?

Yes he loves baths so much! He gets so exited! I think its also my favorite!

 

[PotatoWaffles]

If I already add niacin, should I still add apple cider vinegar? And how much should I add per gallon? Most of the time he only breathes heavy when he is laying on me. I raised his light higher, so right now I believe its at about 70/75 degrees and he's about to be 2 weeks. Would that be to cold?

Yes he loves baths so much! He gets so exited! I think its also my favorite!

I add about a tablespoon per gallon-ish, though a little more or less wouldn't be harmful either way. I only mix as much as they can drink in a day, to keep it as fresh as possible. Are you adding niacin to the water? It should be okay to add the vinegar. You're not doubling up on anything or overdosing on anything. I find it better to add niacin to the food if possible, since they waste the majority of their water lol. I use brewers yeast, so it's very easy to mix in their food.

 

[HaileyBelle]

I add about a tablespoon per gallon-ish, though a little more or less wouldn't be harmful either way. I only mix as much as they can drink in a day, to keep it as fresh as possible. Are you adding niacin to the water? It should be okay to add the vinegar. You're not doubling up on anything or overdosing on anything. I find it better to add niacin to the food if possible, since they waste the majority of their water lol. I use brewers yeast, so it's very easy to mix in their food.

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!