Why is my duck breathing fast and panting heavily when eating?

Heavy breathing and panting in birds is usually a sign of an emergency - it can be due to stress, injury, illness, or cardio-pulmonary disease. Birds are very fragile so try to keep Quackers calm and take him into your exotics veterinarian or emergency veterinarian right away for evaluation. Good luck and I hope Quackers feels better soon!

Thanks for reaching out about Ryanne. If having difficulty breathing, a veterinary visit is recommended ASAP. Bacterial and fungal infections are common. Erythromycin is a fairly weak antibiotic but like all antibiotics needs to be properly dosed based on weight. Another possibility is an aspirated foreign body. Sorry don't have better answers. Good luck.

Volt may have a respiratory infection, nutritional deficiency or trauma. The symptoms described are non-specific with multiple potential causes An exam with your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian would be strongly recommended to diagnose the exact cause. In the meantime, keep Volt warm and as stress free as possible.

This may indicate an infection )bacterial, fungal, parasites, etc.) or a foreign body in her throat. Consider an exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating domestic fowl. If indicated, antibiotics may be administered or dispensed to treat infection.

Thanks for reaching out and including a photo. No antibiotic will treat all bacterial infections. Not all respiratory problems are bacterial, let alone infectious. There are several viral diseases possible, and many non-infectious problems. Inhaled toxins or foreign bodies can cause respiratory problems. An enlarged liver, spleen or other internal organs can not allow chickens to take a deep breathe. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Is the abdomen distended? Ascites (fluid accumulation) can be due to liver, kidney, ovarian and other problems. Draining the fluid (through a veterinary visit) can relieve symptoms but is probably not a cure. Good luck.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection and the lethargy may be related to fever. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Thanks for reaching out about Birdie. The possibility of aspiration pneumonia is high, or another respiratory infection. A veterinary visit or relinquishment to a wildlife rehabilitation facility is recommended. Good luck.