What causes dryness around eye??

[tia]

One of my black runner ducks has some dryness around its eyes. I held some warm wet rags on its eyes tonight. What causes that and what can I do about it??? They are just 4 weeks old. The other ducks don't seem to have that problem.

Tia

 

[DuckLady]

Are they able to get their faces in their water to rinse their eyes and nares?

You can give them a deep enough bowl of water for them to do that.

 

[Duck Keeper]

Let them all swim in the tub {warm water} for a while, while you watch.

Then you can take them out, dry them off, and plop them back under their heat lamp.

Is that duck acting any differently than normal?

Is it dry and crusty, or a just-not-damp kind of dry?

 

[tia]

They all seem to be acting the same. I am using plastic water jugs with two holes cut into the side. I will put a deeper water dish in, and take them for a long swim. Thanks for your help!!!

Tia

 

[Duck Keeper]

Do you stand the milk jug up, or lay it on it's side?

I used both, but I like the fact that you can put more water in if it's standing normally.

Of course, you can cut the holes higher up when they grow bigger too, and then it holds even MORE water. (Always a good thing with ducks!)

 

[tia]

I stand it up. I never thought about placing it on its side. I have to refill it often. I might try it on the side. They went for a swim tonight in the tub - all seven of them. Water was splashing everywhere. : )

Tia

 

[TheNewMrsEvans]

I would guess the same thing. Not enough water to wash their face. I do warm supervised tub baths every week and I use milk jug waterers. Cut the holes just bigger than their heads, but not so big they fit in!

hope that bath solved it...
smaller babies: http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/hgthurkow/100_1188.jpg
grown up more: http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/hgthurkow/100_1190.jpg