The diseases to which ducklings are susceptible are numerous and dangerous. Eye pathologies are no exception. Illnesses usually develop in unsanitary conditions, when basic maintenance rules are not followed. In addition, diseases often go unnoticed. Dust, conjunctivitis, vitamin deficiency and other problems can cause illness. After analyzing all the factors, you can understand why ducklings’ eyes stick together.
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Why the duckling's eyes don't open and what to do about it
One of the most common causes of poor eye condition is conjunctivitis. This is an acute viral disease, which is indicated by the following symptoms:
- swelling of the eyes;
- lacrimation;
- redness of the cornea;
- swelling of the eyelid that is completely closed.
It is recommended to treat the duckling with local antibiotics in the form of eye drops. Antibacterial lotions are also used. Another cause is ammonia blindness. The pathology is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye and respiratory tract. Lack of treatment leads to vision loss. The disease develops against the background of excess ammonia content in the ducklings. The following symptoms indicate a problem:
- slowdown in the overall development of birds;
- mucous discharge from the nose.
To improve the condition of the animal, the feed is enriched with vitamin A. This component is found in large quantities in carrots. This product is added to the daily diet of ducks. Another way to compensate for the lack of a component is to give animals 2-3 drops of fish oil for two weeks.
If a duckling's eye is closed, aspergillosis may be the cause. This is a fungal disease that is more susceptible to young mallards. The fungus primarily affects the lungs. Signs of pathology are:
- Loss of appetite.
- Difficult, hoarse breathing.
- Weight loss.
- Inflammation of the eyes and beak.
- Presence of foam in the eyes, lacrimation.
- Paralysis of limbs.
- Neck extension.
It is very difficult to treat the pathology, so you need to try by any means to prevent its development. To stop the process of infection of the entire livestock, it is necessary to add a solution of copper sulfate to the water intended for drinking, and the antifungal drug “Nystatin” to the feed. It is also necessary to replace bedding and disinfect all surfaces.
If a duckling's eyes fester, the cause may be sawdust or other particles getting on the mucous surface.Getting stuck foreign fragments leads to inflammation and the formation of pus. The eyes are washed with a solution of furatsilin, and tetracycline ointment is placed under the eyelid.
Prevention measures
To prevent the development of eye diseases in ducklings, a number of preventive measures are followed:
- Monitor the ammonia content in the room.
- Enrich your diet with vitamins and minerals.
- Lay the bottom of the duckling house with hay or straw.
- Keep young animals separate from adults.
- Reduce the “communication” of ducks with other animals.
- Regularly clean and disinfect the nesting area and change the bedding.
- Provide a 2-3 hour walk every day.
- Avoid crowding in the enclosure.
Proper maintenance of ducklings and compliance with preventive measures will help avoid various diseases in birds, including eye problems. If symptoms of pathology occur, you should immediately contact your veterinarian.
