6 week old duck with droopy wings

[bayouchica]

I'm worried about this little one. Now that his wing feathers are coming out more they are dragging the ground.

They free range & have all the flock raiser they can eat.He eats fine,gets around as good as the others.I give them watermelon & some catfish pellets for treats sometimes.
What can I do for him???
Miriam

 

[DuckLady]

Wow. That is a very droopy set of wings. Are they like that all the time? Does he draw them up at all? How is he otherwise? Is his weight good? What is the protein level of the feed? How long have they been like that?
Some droopiness is normal at this age because of the developing wing flight feathers, which are heavy.

Do the wings feel twisted or broken?

 

[bayouchica]

Hi Terrie,

Quote:
I feel so bad for him.. I'm not very expereinced in duck problems,I really appreciate your help.
Thanks so much,Miriam

 

[DuckLady]

If he is drawing his wings up and is otherwise healthy, I would wait and see. It might be just heavy flight feathers.

Does he let you pick him up?

 

[bayouchica]

Well he doesn't like me to,but I did again this morning.Nothing appears broken from what I can tell.I have noticed him flapping his wings up from time to time.
Do you think it would be a good idea to give him more protein? I can rig up a temporary fence outside,give him some crickets & mealworms,earthworms etc..

 

[DuckLady]

It couldn't hurt. If he is flapping than he is just likely growing his wings. The protein will do him good. Dry cat food in small amounts will be ok, too.

I find fluffing the butt of a sick duck does much to make them feel better. And me too.