5 wk old Mallard w/ limp

[tdkmom]

My duckling has been limping for the past 2 days. Can get up and move, although awkwardly, and eats and drinks. Goes a few steps and sits down again. I have the waterer in an aluminum pan with blocking in that and the waterer on top of those so they don't make such a mess of their bedding. One of the ducks put its foot in and got stuck and I helped it out. Don't know which one. Next day I didn't notice anyone limping but the following day I did. Maybe the same duck? What can I do to help it heal?

Ok. I put him in a crate by himself but it's right in the middle of the coop so he can see all his friends. He's cleaning himself, eating and drinking like crazy. Tomorrow, I'm gonna take him swimming for a few minutes. I read on a vet site that it's good for them because it exercises the foot while not having weight on it.

 

[Sweetfolly]

I'm no expert, but I'd just make sure that the little duckie has plenty of food and water, and perhaps a bit of Niacin supplement to encourage the leg to continue developing properly.

If the limp is really pronounced, I'd consider separating it from the others and confining it in a smaller space so that it doesn't over-exert and cause further damage.

I hope that was helpful. Good luck! My little mallards are the same age right now - their blue speculums are beginning to appear!

 

[tdkmom]

Yes mine are getting theirs also. It is very pronounced. His other leg is very steady so I don't think it's a deficiency. It's seems more like an injury. But I do believe I will add some niacin to their diet just to be sure. I'm trying to find something suitable to hold him in. Do you know if yours are male/female? I think I have 4 male & 1 female. Not a good ratio.

 

[Wifezilla]

Can you check the bottom of the foot to see if there are any swollen spots? He could have bumblefoot.

 

[tdkmom]

What is bumblefoot? And what do I do if he has it? I'll get my husband to hold him so we can check.

ETA: Ok we just checked it. It doesn't look any different than the other one. He just limps. I'm going to put our small dog cage in the coop tommorow and set him up in there. Just have to figure out a way to keep the water without him spilling it everywhere.