Does anyone else have ducks that can’t walk/severely disabled?

[Chikenshiken]

My duck lost his walking abilities after a severe raccoon attack. He is, bodily, very healthy and healed completely for almost a month now. However I’m not sure he’ll ever walk again and I had to put my other duck down with a broken septic leg for the same reason. I cant find myself putting him down when he doesnt seem particularly unhappy, is very active, and still loves to swim and eat his favorite treats and play in the mud like every other duck. The vet told me that my last ill duck would have no quality of life with a cut off leg so I chose to put him down. Now that’s bugging my head with my duck, Agate. I just don’t feel like he’s unhappy and I’ve dealt with depressed animals before. Not to mention Agate has not even lived half his life, he’s only 2. I’m just wondering if anyone else out there has disabled poultry Ive seen some duck instagrammers with disabled ducks and geese, it gives me a little peace of mind. I guess what really concerns me is if I’m making the right decision if he could never walk again and if I’m alone in these feelings and situation

 

[Miss Lydia]

I am so sorry Agate is still not walking, I don't have a disabled duck but just wanted to say if he is still enjoying life and it sounds like he is, then it seems he should not have to be put down. It will take more work on your part but if your willing I'd let him live as long as he is in good spirits and otherwise healthy. Did you give him B Complex?

 

[picklestheduck]

What is wrong with his legs? Is he able to use them even slightly? Could you make a duck wheelchair out of pvc pipe with some type of material in the middle with holes for legs? Maybe it’s not possible if he can’t use his legs but here are a few pictures I found online.

 

[Chikenshiken]

I am so sorry Agate is still not walking, I don't have a disabled duck but just wanted to say if he is still enjoying life and it sounds like he is, then it seems he should not have to be put down. It will take more work on your part but if your willing I'd let him live as long as he is in good spirits and otherwise healthy. Did you give him B Complex?

I saw B complex is a kind of vitamin. what Does it do? And is there a type for ducks?

 

[Chikenshiken]

What is wrong with his legs? Is he able to use them even slightly? Could you make a duck wheelchair out of pvc pipe with some type of material in the middle with holes for legs? Maybe it’s not possible if he can’t use his legs but here are a few pictures I found online.

I’ve actually thought about this. It’s something I’m considering he actually has pretty good mobility in his legs and it’s getting better. He used to not be able to swim forward but recently he’s been able to kick and almost get himself out the pool by himself. He’s trying to say the least so I think he could benefit a lot from a wheelchair!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I saw B complex is a kind of vitamin. what Does it do? And is there a type for ducks?

It can help support his legs while they are healing TSC carries Durvet Liquid B Complex 1ml over a small amount of a treat daily.

 

[picklestheduck]

I saw B complex is a kind of vitamin. what Does it do? And is there a type for ducks?

Ducks need a lot more niacin (vitamin b) than chickens do. Without niacin they can become weak and can have serious issues, from my experience mostly being leg weakness and injury issues. Durvet B complex is a cattle injectable that is totally fine to give orally to ducks. It has seriously saved the life of one of my deficient ducks. You can get the brand called durvet I beleive at tractor supply.

 

[picklestheduck]

I’ve actually thought about this. It’s something I’m considering he actually has pretty good mobility in his legs and it’s getting better. He used to not be able to swim forward but recently he’s been able to kick and almost get himself out the pool by himself. He’s trying to say the least so I think he could benefit a lot from a wheelchair!

Yes I would assume it could work as a bit of almost physical thereapy for him, where he could use his legs and strengthen them without all his weight being on them. What type of duck is he?

 

[Chikenshiken]

Yes I would assume it could work as a bit of almost physical thereapy for him, where he could use his legs and strengthen them without all his weight being on them. What type of duck is he?

He’s a pekin and around ten pounds. He’s pretty fat duck since he’s been eating way more now that his wounds are healed! I’ve asked questions before about physical therapy for him. Most replies I got were just slings and massaging his feet but if you have any advice it would be greatly appreciated I’ll also look in on getting durvet.

were you talking about this durvet? https://www.amazon.com/Durvet-Vitam...ocphy=9008495&hvtargid=pla-403138627857&psc=1

how much do you usually give your ducks orally?

 

[picklestheduck]

He’s a pekin and around ten pounds. He’s pretty fat duck since he’s been eating way more now that his wounds are healed! I’ve asked questions before about physical therapy for him. Most replies I got were just slings and massaging his feet but if you have any advice it would be greatly appreciated I’ll also look in on getting durvet.

were you talking about this durvet? https://www.amazon.com/Durvet-Vitam...ocphy=9008495&hvtargid=pla-403138627857&psc=1

how much do you usually give your ducks orally?

Yep that’s the stuff!! I would say do one mL like Miss Lydia said above. You might want to grab some syringes and needles so you can draw it out of the bottle, but don’t use the needle in the duck or again in the bottle! You can do the liquid over a treat like scrambled eggs. My ducks won’t eat it so I feed it in a syringe in their beak but you have to be comfortable doing that and make sure you have it in the right spot so it doesn’t go into their lungs. I personally don’t know or have a ton of experience with needing to give a duck physical therapy or help them regain strength and muscles, but one thing I will say is make sure you let him swim. Swimming is known to be very helpful to ducks with things like strains etc. I think you may have said something about him swimming before but make sure now that he can’t tough the bottom so no weight would be on his legs while swimming. I would personally fill up the bathtub with warmish water, not hot, and let him go at it for a a bit. You could sprinkle some treats in there to make it super extra positive for him. Sorry I’m not much more help. I’m no expert but I can give you my experience and help you brainstorm some ideas. I’m always happy to help so keep the questions and updates coming! Praying for your little feathered pal.