Duck with a broken wing

[Pinkjeanne]

I have had chickens for several years, but today found a duck in my back yard. I have no idea how she got in there because we have a chain link fence and she has a wing with a compound fracture. Of course it’s the weekend, so there wasn’t much I could do. I think she may be a domestic bird, because I was able to pick her up easily. I cleaned her wound & put her in a small animal carrier with food & water. The emergency vet in town refused to see her. The DOW and a nearby animal rescue shelter were also no help. Does anyone have any advice for me if she is still alive in the morning? I think my options with local vets on Monday will be limited, if any at all. I don’t mind keeping a handicapped bird, my handicapped chicken recently died at 11 years old! I know I would be unable to euthanize her.

 

[SmiYa0126]

Do you have a wildlife rescue in your area?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

If she's domesticated, then a wildlife rescue may not be able to help.

Do you have photos of her so those that keep ducks may be able to help I.D. her breed at least?

You mention she had some wounds, so I wonder if she was chased/attacked by a predator and may live close by, but it would be hard to find her owners I'm sure.
It's good you are treating the wounds. If the wing is fractured, she may need to be wrapped, hard to know, but you are there to access it better than we can.

I'll tag in some duck folks that may be able to give some input. @Miss Lydia @Quatie @shawluvsbirds

Here's a splinting manual, it may or may not help with your situation.
https://theiwrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Duerr_Splinting_Manual_2010.pdf

 

[neo71665]

Need some pictures but just because you can pick it up doesn't mean it is a tame bird. If it ain't it's against the law for you to mess with it. Personally if you have any wildlife rescue I would call them before you do anything else.

 

[Quatie]

You do need to know if it is a wild bird or not. Wildlife rehabers will be able to tell. Your local animal control may also be able to direct you to someone as well. If it is a wild animal, the sooner it can get to someone who knows what they are doing the more likely they will not need to euthanize it. If the wildlife cannot be released back into the wild, they usually euthanize it so they can have space for animals they can release. Occasionally, zoos or wildlife centers take in these birds, but it depends on if they need one at the time. You can't save them all.

 

[Pinkjeanne]

Do you have a wildlife rescue in your area?

Yes, they won’t accept her. Then said that if they did they would wring her neck because a duck is a duck, not an endangered species. She is very alert, walking around, and let me pick her up. She is probably somebody’s pet.

 

[Pinkjeanne]

Need some pictures but just because you can pick it up doesn't mean it is a tame bird. If it ain't it's against the law for you to mess with it. Personally if you have any wildlife rescue I would call them before you do anything else.

the DOA said “do whatever you want.” He thought it was probably a domestic duck.

 

[neo71665]

Is the rear toe removed?

Before somebody butts in, yes I know it's not 100%

 

[Pinkjeanne]

If she's domesticated, then a wildlife rescue may not be able to help.

Do you have photos of her so those that keep ducks may be able to help I.D. her breed at least?

You mention she had some wounds, so I wonder if she was chased/attacked by a predator and may live close by, but it would be hard to find her owners I'm sure.
It's good you are treating the wounds. If the wing is fractured, she may need to be wrapped, hard to know, but you are there to access it better than we can.

I'll tag in some duck folks that may be able to give some input. @Miss Lydia @Quatie @shawluvsbirds

Here's a splinting manual, it may or may not help with your situation.
https://theiwrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Duerr_Splinting_Manual_2010.pdf

Thank you so much. I have rescued & rehabed & released many little birds ( I know it’s illegal for wildlife, but who is going to treat an injured or orphaned sparrow? if I could save a life I do it.) However this one may end up needing to be euthanized. She is a sweet little girl, cuddles & eats from my hand. The DOW said she was likely a domestic duck & that I could “do whatever you want.” I appreciate the splinting manual, which will come in handy.

 

[Pinkjeanne]

Do you have a wildlife rescue in your area?

Yes, but they are not interested in an injured duck.