Duck sneezing isn’t a matter to be worry always. They can do it just to clean their nose sometimes.
So, why is my duck sneezing? Well, ducks do sneeze to clean their nostrils most of the time. However, some experienced duck owners say while they’re having respiratory problems, they might sneeze. It’s mostly if they feel something is allergic to them.
To know their sneezing and coughing reasons, stay with me. I’ll come up with more in-depth details about this matter.
Why Is My Duck Sneezing? Discovering 2 Reasons
I’ve found two sneezing reasons for ducks. One is a natural behavior, and the other is a disease.
1. Cleaning Nostril
It’s a natural process. Remember I said you don’t need to be worried if they sneeze to clean their nostril? Here’s why.
Ducks have two little holes on top of their beaks near their eyes. That is what it called nostrils. They get water in their faces when they’re swimming, which can be bothering them.
When a duck gets tiny things like pieces of straw in its nostrils, they sneeze. Why do they sneeze? This sneeze is like a quick burst of air and water that clears out anything unwanted in their noses.
But there’s more to it. When ducks go for a swim, they also suck in some water through their nostrils and down a special tube inside their bodies called the trachea. This water expands there and then goes back down into their lungs.
When ducks come back from swimming, they take a short break. During this break, they push out extra water they take while swimming. It’s a way for them to get rid of the water they don’t need.
2. Respiratory Problems
Ducks will have breathing difficulties if they have respiratory problems. So, they will be uncomfortable in their lungs and nose, and they might sneeze.
Related Reads:
3 Key Causes of Respiratory Sneezing in Ducks
The reason might be plenty in numbers. The key problems that can cause respiratory and sneezing as a consequence are as follows:
- Ammonia Exposure: Ducks can develop issues when exposed to high levels of ammonia in their environment.
- Air Pollution: Poor air quality around your house can also lead to respiratory infections.
- Infections: Ducks might contract infections like bronchitis, causing abnormal breathing and coughing.
7 Symptoms You Can Look Out for And How to Treat
- Ducks may start sneezing more than usual.
- Look out for a bad-smelling discharge coming from their nose.
- Ducks with respiratory problems might appear off-balance or wobbly.
- Sometimes, they can have trouble moving or seem like they’re limping on one leg.
- Their breathing can become fast and irregular.
- Ducks may have difficulty breathing, and their chests might seem tight.
- Listen for unusual sounds like wheezing, coughing, or retching.
How to Treat?
First, separate the sick duck from the group. It will prevent the illness from spreading to the entire group. Respiratory is a serious disease. I recommend contacting a vet as early as possible after you notice the symptoms in them. They can recommend the right treatment for them according to their age and their breed.
Do not think of giving them any antibiotics in this situation. This is a mistake many inexperienced duck raisers make. If the cause of respiratory problems isn’t bacterial, antibiotics will do no good for them. Antibiotics only can resolve the bacterial issues.
**Therefore, consult an experienced vet and act according to their suggestion and treatment.**
Are There Any Preventions for Duck Sneezing? 5 Potential Steps!
See, it’s impossible to stop them from sneezing as it’s, to some extent, their natural behavior as well. But, sometimes, they may do it due to respiratory problems or if they feel uncomfortable.
You may do something to keep them free from feeling uncomfortable or avoid hazardous materials stuck in their beak. Here are some measures you may take to keep your ducks free from illness:
- Ensure your ducks live in a clean environment free from ammonia and harmful bacteria. Change their bedding on a timely basis, like every two days at least.
- Proper Ventilation is important. It will reduce airborne irritants that could affect their respiratory system.
- Provide them with a high-quality diet full of protein, fiber, carbohydrates, natural sugar, and calcium. It will boost their overall growth and back their immune system.
- Do not make them stressed. Stress will weaken their immune system, which will later expose them to other illnesses.
- Vaccination and timely basis medical checkups are essential. If you raise ducks for a specific purpose, like meat or egg production, you must keep their medical state up to date. Vaccinate them to have a better immune system that will minimize the risk of health complexities.
Recommended Reading: Common Duck Disease
Bottom Line
So, why is my duck sneezing? Duck sneezing isn’t always concerning. But look out for suspicious symptoms like a struggle while balancing bad-smelling discharge from their nose or unusual sounds. All these indicate they’re sneezing for illness. Contact a vet in that case and treat them as per the vet’s recommendations.
However, taking a few preventative measures will keep your ducks free from hassles. The preventions include a clean environment, minimizing stressors, proper ventilation, and a high-quality diet.
Sources and References:
- https://www.vet.cornell.edu/animal-health-diagnostic-center/programs/duck-research-lab/health-care
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32370540/
