Blind duck (not to be confused with a duck blind)

[Buxton Ducks]

I was at our local feed store this morning and I had to ask about this confused looking boy in the pen with broiler chickens. The owner told me he was completely blind and was most likely going to hitch a ride on the slaughter truck. She told me I could have him for free if my intent was to give him a good home. I couldn't resist so I took him home this morning and he has been named Claude. Does anybody out there have experience with blind poultry? He eats and drinks as soon as he learns where the food is. I am nervous to introduce him to the rest of the flock however......

 

[downsm75]

He may have a hard time fitting in... But IF they do let him in, he'll follow them around by sound

 

[DuckLady]

I have a blind duck. I keep her separated from the rest of the flock with a friend who doesn't pick on her, her own food and place to swim,

Routine is important to ducks and so much more so to a blind one. Sounds like you are doing the right things. If you introduce him to the flock, keep a close eye for picking and even another duck who won't mind being a buddy if you need to separate him.

I had a crippled duck and a blind duck at the same time. They depended on each other and when Miss Matilda, my crippled girl passed away, blind Gramma Grey followed shortly. Gramma Grey called for Miss M constantly. It was very sad and she was just ready to follow her friend.

 

[Iain Utah]

I have a blind goose who lives in a small yard safe fencing and no obstacles such as potholes, rocks, etc. She has 3 companions who are very nice to her. She depends on routine and not moving key items around (food bowls, kiddy pool, shelter). She also appreciates constant sound reminders of your location when you enter pen. In spite of her disability, she is a very happy goose.

 

[Buxton Ducks]

I am so glad to hear these responses! I was worried that "saving" Claude was the wrong thing to do. My geese are very freaked out by him, which is a good start in my opinion!

 

[veronicasmom]

Awww, so good of you to take him. He is lucky. I would second the idea of possibly keeping him with an easygoing friend, in a safe area. Blind animals do surprisingly well.

Bet you were at Longhorn, right? I can't go there, have seen too many scary things............

 

[Buxton Ducks]

Yep I got him at long horn! It is hard for me to go there some time because I want to bring everything home.

 

[veronicasmom]

I know! I got a rabbit there once. She was in a metal cage in the parking lot in August. Free. Sheesh. I had to take her. Went one time and the geese they had were all squished in some makeshift shelter. I was so upset I just decided that they will never change so I just cannot go there any more.
Same with Metcalfs in Cornish...........................

 

[Buxton Ducks]

Well I did a supervised introduction with my flock today and they loved him! The geese were a little nibbley but one of my rouen girls took right to him and he has been fallowing her all day. I will seperate him when I am not there for a while but I am hopeful that all will work out! Thank you everybody, I look forward to giving Claude a full life here!

 

[Jenny Duck]

Well I did a supervised introduction with my flock today and they loved him!  The geese were a little nibbley but one of my rouen girls took right to him and he has been fallowing her all day.  I will seperate him when I am not there for a while but I am hopeful that all will work out!  Thank you everybody, I look forward to giving Claude a full life here!

Wonderful news