Question about splinting ducks leg, how will she sleep, and sit?

I have had a duck with a bad leg for a while, and using just vet wrap isn't helping it anymore. I thought I would give it one more attempt at healing before I have to cull. The only options for trying to fix it is using a splint or a sling. I don't know if it is broken or dislocated, or what? It is in the knee/elbow part of her leg. It pops out when she tries to run or walk too fast, and she will stop and pop it back in. The attempt might take her a few tries but she manages to work it back into place. However, this is not a healthy way to live. The injury was caused by some over zealous Saxony drakes, that have now been isolated from all the girls. She is our most beautiful and sweetest Harlequin that we have, and the thought of culling her makes my stomach churn. However, I don't think it is fair for her to live the isolated life she lives (she is housed with other ducks but can't run with them), and for us.  I think the only way it will be corrected is if she is not allowed to bend it until it heals. If I use a splint how will she sit, sleep, and lay eggs.  The same question could be asked about the sling.  Also, how would I splint it? Do I splint it on the sides of her leg,  or front to back? Sorry to say that for this injury a vet is not an option. It will require treatment at home, if any is available.

 

I would appreciated any suggestion on how to treat her. Thx

 

Trust me Amiga, I don't want to cull this girl. She is such a sweetie, probably because we handle her so much. I really want to put a sling on but if I did she wouldn't be able to bend her legs to sit, and that is where I am confused. If I splint it and it heals will she ever be able to bend her leg again? If I splint it how will she lay her daily egg? Can they sit with a splinted leg? I know she will be able to stand and walk but that is about it. I just don't want to make it worse, but what I am doing is not making it better. If I splint her leg during the day and take it off at night so she can bed down will it heal or mess everything up? The vet tape allows her to bend her knee which I don't think is good, but it keeps her knee from popping out of place. It also climbs up her leg which causes her leg to swell.  Once I take it off and put fresh wrap on, the swelling goes away.  By the way, when her knee/joint pops out it goes flat instead of being round. So, I don't know if that means it is broken or if their is some other damage to it.  If you don't understand take a look at your ducks leg. See how it is round at the joint? When Sugar's, the duck, pops out it goes flat at the joint. No broken skin.

 

Amiga, she has been like this for a while now, and I am praying she will get better. I know it seems like my poor ducks are being neglected because of all the issues they have had, but really my only fault was allowing too many drakes in with the ducks. I really learned my lesson there. Things have been much quieter around here since I separated them.  The Saxony girls are doing great! Now I just need to get Sugar better.

 

Thanks for all your help.

 

 

 

Sorry if it sounded like I was saying that you think I neglect my ducks. I didn't mean for it to come across that way.

No, I have not seen OldGuy43's videos but will be watching them tomorrow. Thank you for all of your help. I appreciate it.

Thanks for the prayers.