HELP! Ducks attacked!

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flapjackfarm

flapjackfarm

Chirping
Jun 14, 2015
104
3
53
Shiawassee County, Michigan
So, this morning I went out to the barn to find any poultry keepers worst nightmare - a dead duck and two injured. All of my chickens (who stay in the second story) were okay, thankfully. A weasel is the culprit - I had the little monster cornered in the barn! However, I had nothing to kill it with and it escaped
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My two Black Sweds who have neck injuries are the concern now, until hubby can get home and track the weasel down. Both are making a little bit of noise, moving about, and are drinking; however, they both have their necks hunched and are moving rather slowly. I was able to wash them off in the tub, but they wouldn't let me feel around on their necks too much. They also don't seem to be trying to dry off either - it's a really rainy day here in Michigan, on top of the bath, they're pretty wet. I've currently moved them into a large dog crate in the garage, but I'm not sure what to do from here! Please, help!

400

This is how the two are holding their heads.
 
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Their acting like it hurts a lot, their trying to move it as little as possible. Holding up their heads and preening would hurt to much so they're just not doing it. If there's any bleeding stop it, then move them to a nice, quiet place with food and water close by to rest, relax and heal. I'd also suggest taking they to the vet as soon as possible just to make sure nothing will get infected or is broken.
 
I have put them in a large dog cage with elevated food and water so that they don't have to stretch too much, plus a heat lamp to help keep them warm. It doesn't look like there is any bleeding. I'm mostly worried about my drake since he's not wanting to drink the last few times I've offered water. I got some Vetericyn and have sprayed both of their heads and necks down.
 
Good if there's no blood then that probably means there's no puncture so less chance of infection. Their necks aren't broken so it's either sprains or fractures. After a day of resting take them to the vet, better safe than sorry. Keep a watch on their breathing, the wind pipes may have been damaged, if it sounds like they're having trouble take them to the vet right away. If he won't drink try dipping his bill, by which I mean bring the bowl up to it so it's in the water. If that doesn't work you could try painting his bill. Take a paint brush and dip it in water then brush it along the edges of his bill or see if you can get him to nibble it. As you know ducks tip their heads up to drink and that movement is probably painful right now so he may not drink at all if tonight. If he isn't drinking tomorrow then vet.
 
He sounded slightly wheezy, but if I gently lifted his head up it wasn't so bad. My hen is drinking just fine, so I'm not as worried about her. I think there are a few punctures that I saw, but they were small. I hope he improves tonight or I may have to find a vet to take him to tomorrow - I'm a stay at mom, so I'll need to see if that's an option.

He's also got a little bit of slimey drool coming from his mouth.
 
He may have some damage t his wind pipe. He should be fine until you take him to the vet. As long as it doesn't sound like he's choking he should be alright.
 
Good. He may be breathing funny because of how he's holdimg his neck, don't try to make him move it to much right now but he will need to drink.
 
How is he acting otherwise? Is he showing any interest in anything? Can you try tempting him with very small pieces of something soft, maybe watermelon or tomato, that's very juicy to get some liquids in him?
He's probably traumatized mentally besides being injured. When one of my chickens got killed, my entire flock was affected for two days. They were very quiet and didn't even care much about treats, whereas they're usually loud party animals.
 

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