Ducks panting is a matter of concern. Do not think of it like it’s a game or something cute.
So, why are my ducks panting? The answer is that they’re not feeling well. The problems can be as follows:
- Feeling excessively hot
- They’re stressed
- Respiratory issues
- They overeaten.
You need to pay attention to help stop your ducks from panting too much. First, try moving them to a cooler spot, like turning on the air conditioner inside or spraying them with cold water if they’re outside. If they still keep on panting, contact a vet immediately.
For ducklings, panting might be a sign of illness. I will dive deep into the core things now. Just keep on reading for that.
Table of Contents
4 Root Causes: Why Is My Duck Panting? [Treatment Discussed]
We already know why your ducks do pant. Let’s know the causes in depth and what to do in these circumstances.
1. They’re Feeling Hot
Ducks get too hot and can’t sweat like humans, and they need water to cool themselves. If they have been in sunlight for too long, they might pant. This helps them cool down, and they might also droop their wings and close their eyes.
Baby ducks, compared to adult ducks, are more prone to be overheated. As they’re sensitive, it’s good if you protect them from excessive sunlight.
Take a look at the video to learn about their conditions.
What to Do?
In this case, immediately change their current place. Keep them in a place where they’ll be safe from the sunlight. Now spray water on them with a hose or keep them under a fan to cool themselves.
2. They’re Stressed
Like you, your ducks, too, might get stressed. It might happen due to temperature fluctuation, improper environment, lack of adequate living space, and contaminated food. In addition, fear of predator encounters can also play a major role in increasing stress.
When ducks get stressed, they might start acting strange and panting.
How do you recognize they’re panting because of being stressed?
- They might look tired or show signs of obesity.
- Lack of interest in everything
- Weight lose
- Having feathers that stay all messy and ruffled.
- Vomiting
- Nausea
These are the primary signs they might show while panting. Well, observation will help you to determine the fact that your ducks are stressed, and that is why they are panting.
In this case, the Department of Western College of Veterinary Medicine has suggested monitoring feather growth will help determine their stress level. The carbon steroid hormone named corticosterone will be more in their feathers when they’re stressed.
What to Do?
If your ducks seem to be stressed, they may breathe fast. Gently put them down, and give them some time to relax first. Handle them by showing supportive care.
Now, you may check the bottom area of your ducks to be sure they’re ill by carefully turning on their back. However, make sure to keep their wings safely against their body.
Sometimes, separating them from the flock for a while might be helpful. Ensuring proper social interaction, living space, and predator safety for them will slowly reduce their stress level.
Suggested reading: Ducks Get Stressed
3. Respiratory Issues
Breathing issues might cause your ducks to pant. Asthma, Aspergillosis, and lung diseases are three prime examples. Smoke or chemicals in their surroundings might make it hard for them to breathe properly.
If they pant due to respiratory issues, the following symptoms might be seen:
- Your ducks may cough or wheeze
- Your ducks might have watery noses or eyes.
- Lack of interest
- Loss of appetite
What to Do?
In this case, first try to notice if there are any sources of smoke or chemicals. According to the American Poultry Association, fogging the bird with oxine mixed water for a couple of minutes might come in handy. But it might not work well for your ducks and could be a hypothesis while applying without any vet consultancy.
So, contacting a vet is highly recommended in this situation. They’ll assess the duck’s condition well, give you the necessary medicines, and treat it according to their condition and age.
To prevent this disease from making your ducks suffer, you have to keep your house neat and clean. Although, it sounds so impossible as ducks are extremely messy! You may use disinfectants to keep your house free from harmful bacteria as well as to prevent respiratory problems.
Recommended article:
- How to Treat Foamy Eyes in Ducks
- Angel Wings in Ducks
- All About Ducks Drooling
- How Do I Know If My Duck Is In Pain
4. They’re Overeaten
Ducks might start panting if they eat too much. Just like people, when they overeat, they will get overweight. How much is the ideal food intake for ducks? Well, it varies. Around 170g – 220g sounds like the ideal food intake for them.
This extra weight can put pressure on their bodies, including their lungs. So they will breathe heavily.
They might show the following symptoms in this case:
- Lack of interest in eating.
- Struggle to move
- Obesity
What to Do?
To help them get rid of this problem, you have to give your ducks an ideal amount of food. Do not overfeed them. Now, if your duck seems to be panting too much, contact a vet immediately.
Why Do My Ducklings Panting?
Actually, ducklings, too, can pant due to the reasons mentioned above. But what to tell specifically? According to some duck raisers, baby ducks also do panting due to lack of ventilation, fresh air, and pain. Do not keep baby ducks at an improper temperature.
Newborn ducks are about one week of age; they require 90 degrees Fahrenheit temperature. Then, after one week, the temperature should gradually lower.
If they’re panting, change their space. Make sure they’re in a well-maintained, clean place. Make some water available for them. An artificial swimming pool will be good for them.
Recommended Readings:
Bottom Line
Your ducks panting means something isn’t going well. They might be sick, or they’re overheated. In addition, they may do it out of frustration or even if they overeat and feel uncomfortable. If you see your ducks panting, do not be late to take necessary action and contact a vet if you don’t find what’s wrong.
Anyway, ducklings are more prone to illness. They might be sick or injured when they’re panting. Ensure proper ventilation and give them good food, which will give them a nutritional boost. A proper environment is what keeps them happy and stays out of danger, mainly.
Sources and References:
- https://wcvmtoday.usask.ca/articles/2018/ducks-feathers-hold-key-to-measuring-impact-of-stress.php
- https://amerpoultryassn.com/2022/07/waterfowl-ailments-and-treatments/
