Duck got her head stuck between deck planks

[Duckylove44]

I came home from work this evening to my crested ducks head stuck between my back deck and my house. Where she stuck it in was a bigger area than where she scooted it down to. From her trying to pull her head out, the right side of her face is swollen, under her beak is swollen and her left eye is a little blood shot and is squinty. She’s normally very vocal but hasn’t made too much noise since I freed her. She is able to eat and drink, but she left food behind….which is completely out of character. Also, she went straight into her duck house, without being promoted or bribed…again, completely out of character. Anyways, should I be a complete mess, like I am, or will she be ok?? Please. Any advice will be so greatly appreciated. (And please no harsh judgement. I fixed any issues with the deck and honestly never even had it cross my mind something like this could happen )

 

[FunClucks]

How is she doing now? Bumping for you. I don't have ducks.

I had a chicken who got her foot caught on her roost. It was swollen and bleeding a bit from her trying to free herself, and she was very subdued by the time I found her. She had been hanging upside down from her leg for maybe an hour. (I felt awful about that and still do - I fixed that issue pronto.) I put her in an isolation cage within the coop so she could be with her flock but not be bothered by them, and not have to compete for food and water. I put Neosporin on it, and within a few days, the swelling had gone down in her foot and she was walking fine again.

I think your duck will be okay - she may have sprained a muscle or bruised herself trying to free herself. As long as she keeps eating and drinking, and the other birds don't bother her, she should be fine in a few days - if she's not improving, then definitely see a vet if you can.

I'd isolate her if the others seem to give her a hard time, or she can't compete for food and water. Good luck! These things happen, try not to beat yourself up about it. Sorry your duck got hurt.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

She is able to eat and drink, but she left food behind….which is completely out of character. Also, she went straight into her duck house, without being promoted or bribed…again, completely out of character. Anyways, should I be a complete mess, like I am, or will she be ok??

Welcome to BYC!

Sorry your duck had such an experience. It sounds uncomfortable and frightening..

Eating and drinking are both good signs. Being a little less than normal is okay.. and likely matches her diminished feeling of wellness and decreased activity level. She's probably exhausted from trying to free herself. If she goes completely off food or water.. then I'd start to be more concerned. NO, I don't think you have to be a mess right now, but I do understand the fear and concern. Ducks are hardy and prognosis is good!

Please. Any advice will be so greatly appreciated. (And please no harsh judgement. I fixed any issues with the deck and honestly never even had it cross my mind something like this could happen )

Ah man, accidents can happen to anybody at any time. The kinds of perils animals can get themselves into are numerous, and do not require blame. I'm glad you found her before it was too late! Also, thank you for sharing so others can be aware of the possible danger.

How is she today?

 

[Duckylove44]

Thank you so much for your responses!! I truly appreciate your concern! This morning she seems to be back to normal! Swelling is down and super excited about food again!!! Also, she’s being her loud and expressive self!!!