Duckling with swollen eyes? Sneezing?

Question

My little Pekins hatched yesterday and they are all doing well and eating and drinking. I ended up having to help 3/4 ducklings out because 2 pipped at the wrong end and the other one made no progress after 2 days. One of the ones that pipped at the wrong end was deformed and had to be put to sleep but the other 3 are doing great. The other little one that pipped at the wrong end seems to have swollen eyes though. There is also a little dried stuff under one of the eyes. The one that had to be put to sleep also had eyes like this. Anybody know what it might be or how to treat it if we need to?

And also I have heard a couple of them sneeze once or twice. No discharge just quiet little sneezes. Should I be concerned?

Answer 1

What you most likely heard was them clearing thier noses. It does sound like a little sneeze, but I have yet to see a duck actually sneeze. Its the nose. They do it in water too.

About the eyes, i can't really help there. What did the vet tell you? And why did you have to get the other put to sleep? I had a duck hatch out and he was fine. Within two days his neck was in the shape of an S, he walked funny (like one leg was stiff) and he only swam in little circles. However, with help of his rooster buddy, he adapted very well and now rules the flock, chasing all the other males for the fun of it. He is also the only duck I have ever had that will come up to you and want to be pet or eat from your hand. And I have raised over 50 ducks in the past 6 years.

Anyway, just call the vet and ask about it. Most likely they will give you a antibiotic creme to put in the eyes.