An odd warning...

[WadeMD]

So, the warning is: Don't allow your heavier breed ducklings to compete in foot races with runners!

Yes, you read that right. Our ducks like to wander the yard (4 weeks old) beside us. If we move too far away, they'll perk up and come running to be closer. Well, our lone Cayuga has apparently injured herself by attempting to keep up with the rocketing herd as they raced across the yard. She has begun to get heavy enough and her legs spread enough that she cannot keep up without serious effort (though the waddle is rather amusing). The problem is that she tried and now her left leg is seriously paining her. To the point that she doesn't currently walk unless she thinks she's being left behind. I am doing what I can to keep her from moving around (eg, carrying her when we go to the pond, etc) and hoping its just a muscle related injury or sprain that will heal. Hopefully, with the rate at which ducks grow, it will do so quickly.

So... don't let your swedish, cayuga, etc run with a pack of runners for any distance over lumpy terrain, especially while they are still growing.

 

[JenEric Farms]

Sad and Funny at the same time. Good warning!

 

[jujubean99]

good warning but very sad. let us know how she's doing! i hope she gets better!!

 

[bock]

Sad smiles!

 

[Duck_feeder]

easy solution - just flood your neighborhood! I don't think runners have a speed advantage while swimming!

in all seriousness, i hope your cayuga gets better soon. Sounds like some extended swimming time to get her off her feet might help.

 

[duckyfromoz]

Your poor little Cayuga- I do hope she is on the mend soon. It kind of reminds me of watching the fenceline between my Runners and Pekins. The Runners on one side heading for the shed and Harvey the pekin on the other side trying to keep up. It not a very long stretch- hardly more than a few metres- but he cant even manage to keep up for that distance.