Black, hole-shaped scabs on the back of my Duck's knees??

[Miss Lydia]

My opinion on this now that I've seen the pic is that sure is a lot of swelling. I would focus on the Epsom Salt Compress or Epsom Salt Soaks for the immediate future. You might be lucky and not need the antibiotic. Did you say how long the leg has been like that?

Oh my gosh Holly D I didn't scroll up just saw the question. poor baby.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Here's a photo. I'm using towels as a bedding. Could it be from feces getting on him causing it?

That is a big possibility, washing his legs in Epsom salt water a couple times a day then putting on the antibiotic salve. DO NOT let the duckling drink the epsom salt water it not only helps to heal and bring down infection but it also works as a laxative if they drink it. If you don't notice it getting better in 2-3 days you may need an oral antibiotic. That does not look good. But it is treatable. How old are your ducklings now?

 

[lunyre]

It hasnt been long. its starting to swell up even more. and im noticing that my other ducklings are forming small scabs on the back of their knees too... ive no idea how this is happening. im gonna just keep up with the salt compresses and hope it helps. should i clean the wounds out and bandage them?

 

[lunyre]

and yes, im going to go and buy some ointment as soon as i can. tomorrow hopefully. I heard puricin is okay for ducklings?

 

[Amiga]

What is puricin?

 

[Amiga]

Do the ducklings have leg bands? Is there any kind of ammonia smell coming from the brooder?

How often is the bedding changed?

Is it possible the ducklings are allergic to something in the brooder or the bedding? Do they go outside the brooder?

 

[Miss Lydia]

and yes, im going to go and buy some ointment as soon as i can. tomorrow hopefully. I heard puricin is okay for ducklings?

Are they draining? not sure what puricin is will have to look that up. So you've never had them on any other bedding besides towels? do you put them in the tub for swim time? might soften up the scabs enough for them to fall off and what ever infection is in their might start draining. Warm water to float in.
is this what your talking about? http://www.puracyn.com/howitworks/microcyn_toxicology.php

 

[Amiga]

Can you get sawdust pellets like they use for horse bedding and put that under the towels? It's maybe 6 dollars for a 30 to 40 pound bag.

 

[lunyre]

they go for bath time in the tub twice a day or so. should i let them soak in warm water for a long period of time to help the scabs come off? it does seem to be swelling with liquid. I really do not think it is bumblefoot, but theres definitely a wound there. im doing the salt compress as we speak, but he does not like it one bit. should i try to massage the wound and loosen it up? or let it happen naturally. i do think antibiotic ointment would help. im thinking the best course of action would be to get the wounds flushed out and bandage them up with ointment and gauze. my dad's a nurse and could potentially help with that if i need it. they spend most of their time in the brooder by the way.. should i let them outside more, even though its cold?

 

[Miss Lydia]

they go for bath time in the tub twice a day or so. should i let them soak in warm water for a long period of time to help the scabs come off? it does seem to be swelling with liquid. I really do not think it is bumblefoot, but theres definitely a wound there. im doing the salt compress as we speak, but he does not like it one bit. should i try to massage the wound and loosen it up? or let it happen naturally. i do think antibiotic ointment would help. im thinking the best course of action would be to get the wounds flushed out and bandage them up with ointment and gauze. my dad's a nurse and could potentially help with that if i need it. they spend most of their time in the brooder by the way.. should i let them outside more, even though its cold?

How old? if not feathered you don't want them out side. well on a nice warm day they could go out for a short time but that would depend on age too. Bumble just means infection and most of the time staff because of bacteria entering the wound or scratch or cut. I am not sure about opening these up yourself but maybe if they soaked enough either with the compress or ES soaks where you put the warm water and ES into a small bucket and stand the duck into it an soak it that way the scabs may soften up enough to fall off and draining get started,