2019 Spring Ducklings are here!

[DrHawkeye07]

I would try a hobble. If it's physical, a hobble might hold in place for the muscles and tendons to heal. The fact that it didn't paddle with it looks concerning. But you can only try!

I made a hobble for a duckling with small zip ties fitted between the ankle and knee joints. I used tomato twine to keep the legs in place. I suspected that it had injured itself jumping on top of the brooder heat plate. That duck walks around perfectly as an adult.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

I would try a hobble. If it's physical, a hobble might hold in place for the muscles and tendons to heal. The fact that it didn't paddle with it looks concerning. But you can only try!

I made a hobble for a duckling with small zip ties loosely fitted above the joints. I used tomato twine to keep the legs in place. I suspected that it had injured itself jumping on top of the brooder heat plate. That duck walks around perfectly as an adult.

I tried to make her a splint, but that made things worse as she started to drag the stiffened leg behind her. When she laid down the splint was causing the leg to face backwards and turn. It also hindered her hopping and she fell several times.
I have no idea how to make a hobble for this case: A hobble would have to pull the right leg down into a normal position by fixing it to the healthy leg. I just don't know how to do it and would appreciate any kind of example picture even a pencil drawing could help.

 

[DrHawkeye07]

Here's the best diagram I can come up with. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of the actual hobble. Never bothered to get a good picture of it. So here is a photo edit and a hand drawn image.

The red would be your zip ties (or whatever is handy that can be tightened, but not too tight). The yellow would be the yarn or twine. I fashioned the zip ties just tight enough not to slip up past the knee or down too far on the ankle. The yarn was just enough width to hold the hips in place. The duckling could lay down, stand and walk without being too restricted. In you ducklings case, you want it to get used to putting the foot down and using it to support itself.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

None of that will work on a nerve dead leg. If it has feeling , there is hope, if not ,you are faced with a one legged duck and what is the best way to deal with that. It's the OPs decision and I support it.

 

[Miss Lydia]

What about the feel of the leg is is stone cold or does it have warmth like blood is flowing?

 

[WVduckchick]

Here is the swimming video:

Tomorrow i will put more water in the bin, so no hopping…

Super cute! I do think a swim buddy might help, just to calm her down and maybe try to actually swim a bit. And as long as you dry them off really well after a swim, and warm them up quickly, a few minutes in warm water should be fine, even for very young ducklings.

Soooooo cute!

I figured as much about the job options, kinda having a hard time here even... but I have friends in wv, so was thinking about it.

Cmon! WV isn’t that bad. I’ve lived here all my life. From his description, I once (well twice) lived within 5 minutes of WannaBe. I’m now about 90 miles north of him.

 

[WVduckchick]

I tried to make her a splint, but that made things worse as she started to drag the stiffened leg behind her. When she laid down the splint was causing the leg to face backwards and turn. It also hindered her hopping and she fell several times.
I have no idea how to make a hobble for this case: A hobble would have to pull the right leg down into a normal position by fixing it to the healthy leg. I just don't know how to do it and would appreciate any kind of example picture even a pencil drawing could help.

If worst comes to worst, I have a couple of local duck folks who might want to try to rehab the duckling. PM me if you want me to make some phone calls for you.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Oh boy fighting may break out amongst us for this little one. lol just kidding I think you all are AWESOME to want to help this little precious one!!

 

[CrystaBub]

@WannaBeHillBilly could sell tickets and have a raffle LOL! JUST KIDDING!!!!!!!

 

[Miss Lydia]