Bloody beak :(

[ktduck]

Hello friendly people,
I was very upset to come home today and see one of my drakes beaks is cracked and bleeding. It is not an enormous amount of blood, but it looks cracked.
I don't know if it's because of the weird weather (raining a lot and going from hot to cold - possible dry or something?)... Or the big mean ducks from next door.

The ducks next door are vicious!! And I always see them trying to get into my yard and chase my boys around. My boys fight back, but they are much smaller, and they don't often win. I've barricaded up gaps in the fence but the weather has knocked them down.
The question is, do you think it would be from the fighting? And what should I do to help his beak? Should I just let him heal itself or is there something I can do?
What a crap way to end the day!! My poor handsome man!
Thanks for any advice

 

[pattyjean]

Not sure how it happened but if the crack isnt bad it should heal on its own. I would just watch for signs of infection. I would also make sure your neighbor's ducks stay away from him.

 

[Amiga]

First, get a more secure area set up for your littles. I understand we try and the world works against us, but I would make that a priority. This could just be a "warning shot."

I would put a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in each gallon of drinking water for three or four days. It has antibacterial properties.

I would also dab triple antibiotic ointment over the crack three times a day for three days - all of this to try to prevent infection.

Ducks can get their bills stuck places, so be on the lookout for hazards.

 

[ktduck]

Thanks I will definitely do that for him! Yesterday I ripped out some bushes where they were getting in and blocked it all off, and they haven't gotten over here today so that is great!
They seem to still want to fight each other, and my ducks are always up at the fence talking to the neighbours ducks. Anyways as long as they are safe now

 

[Amiga]