Call duck duckling with bad legs

[Lisa Hawthorn]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone can help me please, I have a 9 day old Call Duck with bad legs. I was told she hatched like it and the poor lady is walking on her elbows. I’ve tapped up her feet as they didn’t open or sit flat and I’ve been stretching/moving her legs but the elbow joint is quite stiff and I’m worried I’ll hurt her. I’ve also been putting her in water to swim but she floats majority of the time and when she does paddle she seems to do it from the shoulder joint. If she is actually deformed, is it possible to try and make her better and get her on her feet? Thank you.

 

[Isaac 0]

Welcome to BYC!

Could you post a picture of her legs?

 

[Lisa Hawthorn]

I will upload a picture now.

 

[Lisa Hawthorn]

Some photos

 

[Isaac 0]

Just confirming, the joint does not bend?

 

[Lisa Hawthorn]

It bends a little bit, it’s just quite stiff and I’m not sure whether that’s from her walking on it or if she is deformed and the joint just isn’t right.

 

[Isaac 0]

When it's fused together like that a vet is really your best option, but the prognosis is not guaranteed. Is a vet an option?

 

[Lisa Hawthorn]

I have already gone to a vet but I don’t think she’d dealt with a duckling before as she wasn’t really sure and just said to try some movement with his legs. Thank you very much for your help.

 

[Isaac 0]

If you can give me your general location, I may be able to find a vet in your area that will see her. Glad to be of help!

 

[Lisa Hawthorn]

I’m actually based in England, when I was googling duckling feet I kept coming across this website so thought I’d see if anyone could help. would you happen to know of any duck vets around the Berkshire area : )