Sneezing Runner

[RileyB]

Hello! I am still very new to duck owning, so bear with me if this is a stupid question.

The other day when I was in the run I noticed my 8(ish) week old runner duck sneezing a couple of times. She stopped and has appeared healthy and active. Today she free ranged for the first time (with some of the same age chickens). When she was back in the coop she sneezed approximately 12 times in a row. Again, other than that she is healthy and active.

Is it normal for runners to sneeze as they are constantly foraging and it looks like they get a lot of "stuff" up their noses! Or is it a bad sign that I should do something about?

 

[Amiga]

Does she have water always available that she can dip her entire head into? You are correct, ducks get things in their nares. If they cannot was them thoroughly often, they risk getting serious infections.

My runners "snoot" in water regularly, especially right after foraging.

 

[RileyB]

Yes, there is water available 24/7. She loves to swish it all around.

 

[Amiga]

If she seems otherwise healthy, it's probably that she is getting stuff in her nares and needs to clean it out. As long as she has head wash water availably, she is at lower risk for head infections.

Anytime you have photo's to share, please feel free to upload them. If you don't, don't worry. Just wanted to extend the invitation. No obligation.

 

[RileyB]

Unfortunately I have been unable to upload photos the past couple of weeks (which I was previously able to do). Everything goes smooth until I click to upload the photo and then it freezes on the screen saying, "one moment". If there is a way to get around this, any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!