Down duck

[makinguscrazie]

I came home last week to a frantic flock with most of my ducks gone and one runner laying on her breast. My runners are not overly people friendly so as I approached and she didn't head for the hills I knew something was really off. I picked her up and she was hissing away. When I put her back down her feet were stretched behind her . I put her in a crate and ran off to see where the rest could be. They were gone. I came back to inspect her and all I can find is one small puncture wound in her wing. I cleaned it up quieted her down, put food, light, and water, and hoped for the best. The next day she was up but she can't stay that way she falls face first with her legs extended behind her. I put her in water and she swims beautifully and the ones that are left came to inspect. However, as soon as she hits land its back on her face. There is no marked improvement in the past few days any ideas? Do I continue to wait? I don't want her to suffer. She is eating and drinking. Our ducks and chickens are pets and eggs only btw so to cull for us is a huge deal

 

[Amiga]

She may well have an injury or muscle pull that is keeping her off of her feet.

Because ducks have an uncanny ability to heal from serious injury, I would give it a few more weeks and see if hydrotherapy (lukewarm baths), electrolytes, vitamins, and rest help.

Ideally, a good duck vet would be best.

Have you corrected the security problem?

 

[makinguscrazie]

I have not found the fox so we still have the problem. We are not sure if it is a fox or my next door neighbors dogs who keep coming into the yard, We have spoken to him about the issue as we have lost quite a bit this season. We are currently changing set ups. We originally free ranged during the day and my flock goes in at night but obviously this isn't going to work as we have lost so many to predators, So we are in the middle of fencing in currently. I see she is losing quite a bit of feathering and I was worrying about her eating but saw her eat yesterday and my muscovy got in the pool with her yesterday to socialize. It makes me so upset for her but she can take all the time she needs
Thank you for your response