What is wrong with my duckling's eye?

[ducklover15]

I have four 3 week old Call ducklings and they've been doing great so far. But starting yesterday I noticed that one of my grays had its eyes squinted and when I took them all out to play, this one just wanted to lay down by me and sleep. I thought it was just tired so I left it alone yesterday and checked on it again today.

Only one of its eyes is mostly closed, but the other one doesn't look as open and bright as the eyes of the other ducklings. I don't see any discharge and it's eating and drinking normally, but it still seems a little tired. It also sounds kinda stuffy? But I can't really tell.

Is there anything I can do to help it before I call a vet?

 

[Sweetfolly]

Giving plain saline eyedrops can't hurt - just put 1 or 2 drops in each eye two or 3 times a day - but I'd still try to get the little thing into a vet, or at least call and talk to a vet and see what they recommend.

When my little mallard, Lullaby, had a funky, squinty eye that had dark brown goop and yellow crust around it, my vet advised me to give her some terramycin eye ointment - but I wouldn't try that unless you see an obvious sign of infection (such as thick, oozy discharge). It cleared it right up!

 

[ducklover15]

Okay thank you!! =]

 

[Jkduckster]

Help! Sorry to bud in on this thread but I have a sick little call duck and I don't know what to do. I got him from a lady that lives near us 3 days ago and he was doing just fine with the exception of just a little slower that the others. Yesterday I noticed him sleeping a lot and always lying down so I gave him some electrolights and probiotics. He was eating and drinking but now today he wont. He has no bumble foot or injuries on his feet but still won't walk. Please help I dont want him to dye but I can't afford to see a vet.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Can you post some pictures? And tell us how old and what feed your giving your ducks? Pictures of poop too. @Jkduckster

 

[Jkduckster]

Can you post some pictures? And tell us how old and what feed your giving your ducks? Pictures of poop too. @Jkduck

I am not sure how old my ducklings are I believe around 5 weeks maybe I feed them Agrimaster chick/starter grower poltery feed. I add Brewers yiest supplements 2 tablespoons per 1 pound bag. Haven't seen him is specific poo so I'm keeping a close eye on that. Should I seperate him or no.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I wouldn’t worry about separating now if your worried about it having something catching it’s already been around your ducks. @shawluvsbirds has calls but your not giving your ducklings enough brewers yeast it should be 1 Tablespoon per cup of feed. Also I’d go to TSC and get liquid b complex and start your duckling on it. It’s in the cattle section and will say injectable but just peel the foil off and use a dropper and put 1 ml over a small treat 1 x a day. It really works so much better when one is having a problem already.

 

[shawluvsbirds]

I wouldn’t worry about separating now if your worried about it having something catching it’s already been around your ducks. @shawluvsbirds has calls but your not giving your ducklings enough brewers yeast it should be 1 Tablespoon per cup of feed. Also I’d go to TSC and get liquid b complex and start your duckling on it. It’s in the cattle section and will say injectable but just peel the foil off and use a dropper and put 1 ml over a small treat 1 x a day. It really works so much better when one is having a problem already.

×2 and I don't know what else to suggest really. . it's possible if it's a lack of niacin that might perk him up enough to start eating again.
You might check the vent area and make sure it doesn't have pasty butt. .but probably not at that age.

 

[shawluvsbirds]

I have four 3 week old Call ducklings and they've been doing great so far. But starting yesterday I noticed that one of my grays had its eyes squinted and when I took them all out to play, this one just wanted to lay down by me and sleep. I thought it was just tired so I left it alone yesterday and checked on it again today.

Only one of its eyes is mostly closed, but the other one doesn't look as open and bright as the eyes of the other ducklings. I don't see any discharge and it's eating and drinking normally, but it still seems a little tired. It also sounds kinda stuffy? But I can't really tell.

Is there anything I can do to help it before I call a vet?

If it were me I would probably isolate it for a day or night. . and keep it warm. Maybe use a heat lamp unless it's too hot where you are I don't know. . Add some nutri drench to its water, or just put a drop down the side of its bill and see if it will swallow. . don't force it, you don't want it aspirate. If you are able to call or see a vet that is always the best option. It could be something respiratory.

 

[Jkduckster]

He is now eating and drinking after I plugged in the heat lamp and had him sit under it for a while! I also have him eating 1 tsp of bakers yiest per cup of feed. He is still having problems with balance and falls into his side so I wrapped a towel to keep him up right and placed him right next to the feed and water. I'll keep updated on tommorow to see how he's doing.