a crested duck that can't walk or stand without help

[nessa25]

I have a 5-6 week old duck that can not stand or walk. He's had this problem since he was born but is having more trouble as he is growing. We are getting him a wheelchair made and have made slings to help him stand while eating and to walk him around. As of 3 days ago he is now having neck problems and does not want to keep it up unless he is eating, other than that it just hangs. He is not in any pain and eats and drinks lots. He is happy when we walk him and keeps his head up and tries to run and when he gets tired he stops and his neck hangs. Any suggestions on what I can do to help him get better?

Thank you!

 

[TomCahalan]

Crested ducks have a lump of fat inside of their skulls. As a result, this means that they don't have enough room for a proper brain. Often the duck's motor skills are affected, causing a disability. It sounds like your duck is suffering more than the average crested duck. There is no way to fix your duck.

 

[Isaac 0]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens!

Sorry to hear about your duck, I agree that its likely a neurological problem caused by the crest, and even if it wasn't the underlying cause has been left untreated for so long, the prognosis would be grim. IMO

Maybe a vet might have a different option, do you have one near you could take him to?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Can you post some pics of your duck. Sounds like you want the best for him. This is pretty typical of ducks that have huge crests.

 

[nessa25]

Can you post some pics of your duck. Sounds like you want the best for him. This is pretty typical of ducks that have huge crests.

 

[nessa25]

Can you post some pics of your duck. Sounds like you want the best for him. This is pretty typical of ducks that have huge crests.

Welcome to BackYard Chickens!

Sorry to hear about your duck, I agree that its likely a neurological problem caused by the crest, and even if it wasn't the underlying cause has been left untreated for so long, the prognosis would be grim. IMO

Maybe a vet might have a different option, do you have one near you could take him to?

yes i have an appointment in a few weeks

 

[Miss Lydia]

Please let us know what the vet say.

 

[Isaac 0]

Hi, there!

Just checking in to see how your bird is doing. Updates to these type of threads are quite useful for people in the future experiencing the same problem.