1 Week Old Duckling Limping

[Bedlamateur]

I recently hatched one duckling (his brother didn't make it unfortunately, but I'm looking to hatch more in the spring so he's not lonely).
Recently I was holding him about 3/4 foot off the ground in the process of moving him from one brooder to another so I could clean it, and he jumped and took a tumble.

Now he's been (much more quietly than usual) hiding in one corner of his brooder and he walks with a limp.
The foot he doesn't walk on looks like it turns inward a little bit (the toes are pointed more left rather than straight like his other foot). I think he's sprained or dislocated his leg, but I'm not sure what to do. Any advice?

 

[Bedlamateur]

I recently hatched one duckling (his brother didn't make it unfortunately, but I'm looking to hatch more in the spring so he's not lonely). Recently I was holding him about 3/4 foot off the ground in the process of moving him from one brooder to another so I could clean it, and he jumped and took a tumble. Now he's been hiding in one corner of his brooder and I've noticed that when he walks he leans more heavily on one foot than the other. I think he's broken or sprained or bruised his leg, but I'm not sure what to do. Any advice?

He's also been sitting (if that's the right word for it-- he's basically laying with his stomach on the ground and head raised) a lot.

 

[CoriM]

Do you have the option of a vet? That would probably be best! Also, you might want to think about getting him some company before Spring - that's too long for him to be alone!

 

[Bedlamateur]

Do you have the option of a vet? That would probably be best! Also, you might want to think about getting him some company before Spring - that's too long for him to be alone!

I'll try to get in contact with a vet at some point soon, yes.

 

[CoriM]

If it's just a sprain maybe he will get better with rest, but if he persists in not walking you should try to bring him soon. Do you have plenty of niacin for proper leg strength? Liquid Vitamin B complex may help strengthen him too!

 

[Bedlamateur]

If it's just a sprain maybe he will get better with rest, but if he persists in not walking you should try to bring him soon. Do you have plenty of niacin for proper leg strength? Liquid Vitamin B complex may help strengthen him too!

His feed has 35 niacin/lb so I think I'm good on that front. I'll try to see if I can find that Vitamin B complex, thanks.
How long do you think I should wait to see if his leg gets better on its own? A couple days perhaps? Or longer?

 

[CoriM]

Is he still getting up to eat and drink? I'm not sure. I hope someone else on this forum can give you some advice - @Isaac 0

 

[Bedlamateur]

Is he still getting up to eat and drink? I'm not sure. I hope someone else on this forum can give you some advice - @Isaac 0

Yes, he is. He's gotten far less enthusiastic about it as the day has gone on, however.

 

[Isaac 0]

I'm sorry to hear your duckling is feeling under the weather. Could you post a video of her trying to walk, so we can get a better idea of the severity of her limp? To post a video, upload it to a video platform like Youtube or Vimeo, and copy/paste the link here?

Does the joint bend properly, do you feel any warm spots, or see any swelling?

Is he eating, drinking, pooping normally?

 

[Bedlamateur]

I will try to get a video up soon.
He is eating and drinking slightly less than normal but he makes it a point to visit his waterer and feeder at least once an hour. His poop is normal and healthy.
As for Muddy's leg: I don't see any warm spots or swelling. It bends normally.
I'm starting to believe he may have dislocated it-- it sticks out more than the other one, he refuses to put all of his weight on it, and it's positioned so that his right foot points slightly toward his left foot rather than straight forward.
Does anyone have a second opinion? Do you think I'm right that he dislocated his hip/leg?