7 week old muscovy duckling attacked by ferret

[Doodaddles]

Hello, I have 9 muscovy ducklings ranging in age from 5-7 weeks. Last night our pet ferret escaped from the house, made her way to the duck coop, and attacked one of our ducklings. The duckling, named Eggy, was bitten on the back of it's head. There are no large chunks missing but he does have numerous puncture wounds. We have isolated him in small container, cleaned and applied antibiotic ointment to the wound. I'm worried about it getting infected since it was a animal bite. I have some Amoxicillin (50mg/ml) left over from treating another pet a couple weeks ago. Would it be safe to give that to the duckling to help prevent infection? If so, does anyone know how to calculate the proper dosage?

I'm planning on contacting my vet in the morning to see what they would recommend. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[happy duck]

How scary!! Good idea with washing it! I would keep dressing it with the ointment and washing it. I’m not sure what dosage you are suppose to give for the med but I’m sure someone will hop on who does. Def call the vet tomorrow. Make sure duck is comfortable tonight with what you have and make sure he or she is eating and drinking. Keep us updated!

 

[Doodaddles]

How scary!! Good idea with washing it! I would keep dressing it with the ointment and washing it. I’m not sure what dosage you are suppose to give for the med but I’m sure someone will hop on who does. Def call the vet tomorrow. Make sure duck is comfortable tonight with what you have and make sure he or she is eating and drinking. Keep us updated!

He is drinking and is trying to nibble on his food (chick starter). I'm sure his head is swollen and in pain and that's making it difficult to eat. We tried offering him softer foods, like oatmeal and creamed corn, but he was not interested.

I still can't believe our ferret escaped and tried to take down a duckling twice her size. We originally thought it must have been an owl or raccoon until we discovered a tiny hole our ferret had made in one of the screens on our porch.

 

[Doodaddles]

I just weighed him, he is exactly 4lbs.

 

[happy duck]

He is drinking and is trying to nibble on his food (chick starter). I'm sure his head is swollen and in pain and that's making it difficult to eat. We tried offering him softer foods, like oatmeal and creamed corn, but he was not interested. ☹

I still can't believe our ferret escaped and tried to take down a duckling twice her size. We originally thought it must have been an owl or raccoon until we discovered a tiny hole our ferret had made in one of the screens on our porch.

Keep trying to feed and offer him just don’t force any food into his mouth. That really really stinks about the ferret. How old is the duckling? Did you call the vet today yet?

 

[Doodaddles]

Keep trying to feed and offer him just don’t force any food into his mouth. That really really stinks about the ferret. How old is the duckling? Did you call the vet today yet?

He hatched on February 24th. So 7 weeks old I believe. He is eating a little more today. He's back outside with the other ducklings but only for short periods and while being watched. It seems to be lifting his spirits and encouraging him to eat.

The vet that treats birds was not in today but the other vet recommended giving him 20mg (0.40ml) of amoxicillin 50mg/ml daily for a week in addition to keeping the site clean and applying antibiotic ointment.

 

[happy duck]

He hatched on February 24th. So 7 weeks old I believe. He is eating a little more today. He's back outside with the other ducklings but only for short periods and while being watched. It seems to be lifting his spirits and encouraging him to eat.

The vet that treats birds was not in today but the other vet recommended giving him 20mg (0.40ml) of amoxicillin 50mg/ml daily for a week in addition to keeping the site clean and applying antibiotic ointment.

That sounds good! Glad your little one is doing better. Keep us updated if anything changes.