It’s normal for ducks to sometimes get foamy eyes. I know it can look concerning, but there’s no need to worry too much. Just be aware of some simple ways to care for your duck if this happens.
So, how to treat foamy eyes in ducks? First, determine the cause, whether or not it’s for respiratory issues. On both occasions, you have to keep rinsing their eyes with a water mixture (apple cider vinegar with water). However, vets also suggest saline water to rinse their eyes. Finding the proper reason and applying the necessary treatment will help them recover, probably within two weeks.
I’ll try to cover up everything here. It includes what to do specifically for respiratory problems and what to do if it is happening due to some other reason. So, keep on reading!
Table of Contents
3 Potential Causes Why Ducks Have Foamy Eyes
wanted to share some insights about why ducks sometimes get foamy eyes. I’ve noticed three main reasons this seems to happen:
- First, dirty water can cause foamy eye issues. Ducks really rely on having fresh, clean water to swim in and drink. If their water source gets filled with algae, poop, or other gunk, it can irritate their eyes and make them appear foamy.
- Second, respiratory problems may lead to foamy eyes in ducks. Ammonia from urine and dirty bedding can build up in their housing and cause breathing issues. Inhaling all that ammonia can hurt their respiratory system and make their eyes foam up.
- And third, eye injuries are a common cause too. This often happens when drakes get a little too rough with mating. The male will grab the female’s neck with his bill, and her eye sometimes gets injured in the process. This is especially likely with a drake’s favorite lady duck during prime mating season – which the LA Times called a brutal time for female ducks!
So in summary, dirty water, respiratory trouble, and mating injuries seem to be the top three reasons ducks end up with temporary foamy eyes. Next, let’s go over some tips on how to treat it when this happens.
Related Reads:
How to Treat Foamy Eyes in Ducks? Two DIY Approaches
Treating foamy eyes in ducks is similar, more or less, regardless of the reasons. Separate the duck with a foamy eye first. Let’s think of the treatment process in two segments. That is:
- If the problem is respiratory
- If the problem is an eye injury
For Respiratory Problems
In this case, you don’t have to move tactically. You’ve to change their environment first. Give your ducks plenty of fresh water that is deep enough for them to submerge their heads. This will keep their eyes moistured and clean. Do not forget to change their water every day.
Kindly change their bedding as well. Keep their entire habitat clean by providing them with clean bedding. It will stop building ammonia.
Now, the question might arise: how to recognize whether the cause is related to respiratory? Good question. If ducks do have respiratory issues, the following symptoms might be seen.
- Foamy eyes
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
I hope now you’ve got your solutions. If the foamy eyes aren’t clear within a week or two, then it is time to call a vet.
For Eye Injury
It can happen due to over-mating or dirty water consumption. However, in this case, you must apply actual medication or treatment process, unlike respiratory problems. Here’s what you should do:
- If they are showing signs of eye irritation, apply a saline solution to their eyes. Gently rinse their eyes with the saline mixture. Doing it twice a day sounds good. Here’s a video showing how should you do it:
- Add apple cider vinegar to a mug of water to boost their immunity function. Let them drink the apple cider mixture for a couple of days.
However, other health issues can cause eye irritation as well. Some experienced duck owners suggest eye creams for ducks that are available in the market.
If you notice the foaming eye condition is not improving, contact a vet now. It can be other health problems that are causing them foamy eye problems.
Recommended Reading: Common Duck Diseases
Bottom Line
Foamy eyes in ducks can be caused by an unhygienic environment, dirty bedding, or contaminated drinking water. Injuries can also occur during mating, but the treatment is generally similar regardless of the cause.
Please provide them with fresh and clean water and bedding, and stop letting ammonia build around them. Rinse their eyes gently with saline twice a day. Doing all these should be enough for your feather friend to recover from foamy eyes.
Sources and References:
- http://www.majesticwaterfowl.org/mmissue32.htm#
- https://www.metzerfarms.com/eye-problems.html
