bunkerhomestead
Chirping
- Sep 6, 2018
- 15
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Last night a weasel dug under the duck pen and breached the hardware wire flooring through a spot where it had rusted. It killed one duck and wounded 5. I'm looking for advice to caring for them. Right now they are in 2 large plastic tubs 2 in one and 3 in the other lined with plenty of straw and covered with towels near the radiator in my mudroom. I washed their wounds one by one in the bathtub with warm water and mild soap. They seemed to be soothed by the warm water. The bites on the back of their heads and necks did not seem to be deep and look superficial. I put antibiotic ointment on the wounds and gave them oral antibiotic and a squirt of nutridrench and put them in the tubs to rest. I was going to move them to a larger cage in still in the mud room for warmth and where I could set down food and water but they are still wet from the wound washing and seem too freaked out for me to move them again. I think its best to keep them in the tubs overnight which is warmer but I can't set down food and water as it will be immediately tipped over. I have been offering water every 2 or 3 hours. They are drinking, but very little. My daughter suggested I make a warm mash of their grain with a little cracked corn and yogurt. They didn't look well enough to eat the last time I checked. I also noticed swelling around the heads of a couple of them but I suppose it is from the trauma of the fight. They stand when I offer them water and are not lethargic nor do they seem wobbly. Should I leave them alone for the night without eating or should I try food? Is there anything else any of you can suggest? I have not taken any photos as I've been trying to keep them as quiet as possible. I very much appreciate any thoughts and advice. Thank you!