So I've dove into this whole bird thing and was quickly addicted. This is something I'll for sure be doing a long time to come. I've got 15 chickens and 3 Pekings (ducks). They're on a certified organic non-medicated feed (starter). The whole flock is no more than a couple weeks old. I use a little ACV in their water. Prior to introducing the ACV the other day (which I added for no reason other than it's intended purpose), I noticed 2 of my 3 ducks (the largest of the 3) have been panting, quite heavily, similar to a dog after you've played fetch for a while. Now, they're not completely feathered but have what I would assume to be a THICK/FLUFFY down coat...
This panting started about a week ago. At first I wasn't too concerned, but than I noticed their poop became a little more wet/softer than when I first got them. So now I'm concerned. The 3rd duck (fingers crossed) isn't doing it. I've also notice that they won't pant like that for at least an hour or 2 after I've put them into my bathtub filled with water (their pool, while I change out the old bedding). So that leads me to think that they're just over heating, is that the case or are they sick? My heat lamps not too close and they still pant when they're on the opposite side of the pen from the lamp. They are pretty warm to the touch when I handle them while panting and the panting doesn't seem to really subside after they've drank. Are the pekings (due to breeding) at risk for similar developmental health problems as my cornish meat chickens? They also share the same starter feed as the chickens and are in the same pen indoors until the weather breaks (I live in northern Michigan).
Help.
Thanks.
