Blind duckling

[Paigecook]

I have a duckling who is two week old and I'm 99% sure is blind/partially blind.... when he/she first hatched he couldn't walk, within a couple of days he/she began walking in circles continuously falling on to her/his back and been unable to get back on his/her feet. He would call for the other duckling when they were quiet as if he thought they had left the enclosure. Even when they were right next to him. I initially thought it was a vitamin deficiency and got him/her extra vit.. since then I have monitored him closely, he/she has stopped walking in circles but still trips over alot onto his/her back. He/she manages to find the food and water but I keep it the same place. He shakes alot if anything changes or I take them for a swim. He/she doesn't swim very well either. I have moved my finger very fast in front of his/her eye and he/she gives no reaction. Iv shown a bright torch and again no reaction. When I put his brothers and sister into the garden enclosure (before moving to the alotment) I tried him out with them n he/she ran around falling over, crying to get out. I have had to keep him/her in a small hutch at home as hes/shes alot smaller than the ones that hatched along side him/her. He/she currently has 3 four day old ducklings for company but I am worried about when these are ready to leave the safety of the indoors, I dont wont him/her to be sad but I dont wont to put him/her with the rest of the flock if its putting her/him in danger. Anyone know what to suggest?

 

[boskelli1571]

I have a duckling who is two week old and I'm 99% sure is blind/partially blind.... when he/she first hatched he couldn't walk, within a couple of days he/she began walking in circles continuously falling on to her/his back and been unable to get back on his/her feet. He would call for the other duckling when they were quiet as if he thought they had left the enclosure. Even when they were right next to him. I initially thought it was a vitamin deficiency and got him/her extra vit.. since then I have monitored him closely, he/she has stopped walking in circles but still trips over alot onto his/her back. He/she manages to find the food and water but I keep it the same place. He shakes alot if anything changes or I take them for a swim. He/she doesn't swim very well either. I have moved my finger very fast in front of his/her eye and he/she gives no reaction. Iv shown a bright torch and again no reaction. When I put his brothers and sister into the garden enclosure (before moving to the alotment) I tried him out with them n he/she ran around falling over, crying to get out. I have had to keep him/her in a small hutch at home as hes/shes alot smaller than the ones that hatched along side him/her. He/she currently has 3 four day old ducklings for company but I am worried about when these are ready to leave the safety of the indoors, I dont wont him/her to be sad but I dont wont to put him/her with the rest of the flock if its putting her/him in danger. Anyone know what to suggest?

Have you given her some brewers yeast, it might help to steady her walking. Try the FB page Cross beaks ans special needs poultry - they should be able to help you..
@Miss Lydia

 

[Miss Lydia]

Sometimes another duck duckling will attach itself to a blind or handicapped duckling. Maybe try one of your young ones with him now just the 2 together so they form a strong bond. Placing the duckling outside with this sighted duckling will still have to be done really thought out, secure coop an run so nothing can get in to them. Food an water always kept in the same place. Swimming water shallow enough that the duck can get in an out and not get stuck. Cement mixing tubs might work, Kitty litter trays? Also some liquid B complex can help with leg weakness and neurological issues. If you can get it we find it works best an faster. Durvet is the brand.