Caring for injured duck - any advice plz??

[Billy Biscuit]

Yeah, I'm not so sure either but will soldier on til I get a result one way or the other. The re-infestation shouldn't be a huge problem as he hasn't really been out and about since we took him home. He has been sat outside in probably 2 differet spots so hopefully we could spray those areas or something. We will have to worm the dog as well though, because she is much quicker off the mark than me and LOVES poo!! ewwww.... loves it but knows she's not meant to so literally races in quick sniff and gone! Obviously now we know that the duck has worms we are much more on the ball with it and clean it as soon as we see it basically.
I don't think it's tape worm anymore.... gotta love google. I think it's round worm as I've been looking at images on the net.... again... ewwww, and that is the closest to what I've seen.

So, the stuff I've got is the stuff I need, but does anyone know if you can dose it straight with a sryinge or something if I work out the right amount?? Coz like I said he really only drinks when he is in the kiddie pool. I did read somewhere to take water away for a day so they are really thirsty and will definately drink but as he is not on top of the world already I really don't think it's a good idea...

 

[Duck Keeper]

I would just keep him away from the pool altogether, and make sure he only gets water that's been treated.

Keep in mind there's like four kinds of works... Round worms, hook worms, flat worms and tape worms. If you can take a sample to the vet or wherever (obviously expensive, but it may save his life) it might be a good idea to try that.


As for his eyes, make sure he gets to rinse them by dunking his head quite a few times a day, but I'm not sure how you're going to keep him from drinking it, unless you treated that too...? ;

I would look into putting a drop or two of something like tee tree oil (?) in the water and let him rinse his eyes out, but please research how it might affect him first.

 

[Billy Biscuit]

The only problem with a trip to the vet is that we are talking about an old duck I picked up in the park. While it may sound a bit harsh, I really can't afford a trip to the vet for him. I feel terrible saying it, but the fact is I've been living off my credit card for the past 3 days waiting for pay day. So it's just not an option. The vet did check him out initially for free, but they are not too keen on any follow up. They did say that if I no longer wanted to take care of him they would take him, but I'm pretty sure at this stage of the game it would spell the end for him, whereas I'm more than willing to put in the time, I just can't afford the expense.

As for his eyes, well the silly old duck just doesn't dunk his head at all really. Any other ducks I've known (not too many really) if they don't have free access to swimming water when they do get in they dunk and waddle and have a great old time. This silly old duck has a few drinks and a bit of a paddle and that's it. So I'm persevering with 3x rinsing with saline solution and I think it's working. Not too sure if that's wishful thinking tho.

The worms... I think I can definitely say it's not tape worm. Disregard my earlier "diagnosis". Will look up hook and flat worms. Although what is in the pool looks like round worms to me, honestly I've no idea and will just have to hope I've got it right.

Anyway, thanks heaps for your input, it's much appreciated!

 

[Duck Keeper]

I realize most people don't have the funds (or vet) available to take a 'bird' to the vet, but it was merely an option if it was feasible.

Unfortunately, around here the bird gets better or you... Well, you die. I wish it was different, but sometimes the only way to put them out of their misery is to do it yourself.


I'm glad you're so devoted to this duck though. I do hope he makes it, and gets a few girls of his own once he's all healthy and settled in.

 

[Billy Biscuit]

Well after reading most of the night about worms and treatments, and forming a plan of attack I got home from work and Duck's eyes were almost completely closed over. 1 is completely closed over and the other almost. So much worse than they were yesterday. He was very cranky and upset and actually bit me hard enough to hurt. Usually it's a grumpy snap that makes me laugh but today... well, basically I got the feeling he's had enough. Whatever the saline solution was doing, it's not helping, even though I thought it was. So I'm going to call the vet and take him back so they can "take care" of him there.

Sorry Duck, I tried, but I think we're at the end.

Thankyou to everyone who showed an interest and offered advice and encouragement.
Now I've just got to get a grip and stop blubbering long enough to call the vet.

 

[Wifezilla]

 

[Eggs4Sale]

 

[xke4]

Take comfort in the fact that he will no longer be suffering out there at the park thanks to you. Sometimes all we can do is relieve their suffering. Thank you for your kindness.

 

[FenDruadin]

 

[rainplace]

You did the best you could.