Deformed Legs? please help! pic...update post 22

[duck&chickencrazy]

but i dont think i will be able to cull him...i just cant...

 

[mstricer]

duck&chickencrazy :

but i dont think i will be able to cull him...i just cant...

Do you have a significant other, or a close friend that can do it. Like I said a sharp pair of shears. Its easy and you don't have to watch.

 

[Kittymomma]

It's the toughest part of animal husbandry, but also very important. It's understandable that you can't do it, but when you choose to have animals you are responsible to do what is right for them and often what is best for them is very hard on us. I'm all for giving the sick and injured a chance and will work hard for them when they seem to have the will to live and fight, but it's wrong to condem them to a life of pain and/or a slow painful death when it's within our ability to end their suffering quickly and with compassion. If you truly can't do the deed find someone that can or bring him in to the vet and have them do it, it's the right thing to do. Our animal shelter will also euthanize sick/injured animals for a small fee when people can't afford to have their vet do it so you may also want to look into that.

ETA: A .22 shot to the head is excesive, but fast and humane. It's also not as "hands on" and might be easier for you.

 

[lindacarino01]

It has been 4 hours and she is trying to stand up. Getting better. One foot still looks kinda curled a bit. The other look good. I gave her a drop or two of water hopefully she will be up and around soon so I can give her some food...poor thing is probably hungery after that tough birth!

 

[MissJenny]

I'm an idiot champion of trying, trying, trying -- so please know that is where this is coming from. I am guessing that when you were trying to move his/her foot/leg she just didn't like being messed with. They start cheeping/quacking when we grab anything -- foot, leg, wing... My point is it might not be in pain.

My second point is that it is possible to put a brace on it's foot -- tape it's foot/feet to those wooden ice cream spoons that are available from ice cream trucks. Wide popcycle sticks will work too, but the ice cream spoons are lighter and a better ducky fit. Anyway, tape each foot to a "brace" -- separate it with an isolation buddy and give it a few days. The sooner you do this the faster it will work.

I can't cull anything either and if there's a chance... I say go down trying.

Big hugs and good luck to you and your dear ducky.

Jenny

 

[Daidohead]

Quote:
I have never read it said better. This should be posted as a sticky in every forum.

 

[Daidohead]

Duck&chickencrazy, My other post in no way reflects your situation, just a comment on what was said by Kittymomma. If the bird is not in pain I would try what I could to help it. If it is in pain I would also do what I could to help it.

I have read that if you move while the bones are still soft there is a chance to straighten bent toes with splints, pipe cleaners, drinking straws and such. I wish you the best of luck.

 

[crowbirdwoman]

if he is eating and drinking well and his only problem is legs and feet you could tape them use wooden matches as splints.

 

[babsbag]

Quote:
You aren't alone with that one. I brought home a poor little chick from TSC just because he was being trampled by the other chicks. He was so small, I knew he probably wouldn't make it, and I was right, but at least he had a safe, warm, cuddly place to die in, with food and water if he wanted it. He couldn't even reach the water or food at TSC, he was so small. I will take the under dog and give him a hand and do everything I can to give them a chance to survive. It is sometimes hard to give up. A bad habit I have. Fortunately I have always been able to take an animal to the vet and have them put down when the time comes. I don't think I could do the cull myself.

I hope your little ducky gets better.

 

[BeckyBird]

I would not cull him, if he can eat and drink, and scuttle around. There are many birds out there with missing feet & toes, and they get along fine. Maybe the baby cried because he just didn't want his feet touched.
Of course, if he keeps flipping over and won't stay upright after a few days, then that is not a good sign. Cull if he can't stay up on his own. But, like I said, if he can stay upright, eat, drink, and move around, then I personally would keep him. That's just me though!

Is it a call duckling?