Duck With an Injured Leg

[Patchesnposies]

I have four Buff Orpington ducks, 2 male and 2 female. About a week ago one of my female's was limping. I checked out her foot to see if she had a thorn (we get some wicked thorns here in the NM desert) but found nothing. Her leg seemed slightly swollen but no discernible wound and her leg didn't seem broken. It appeared as if the problem might be in the knee (I know it isn't really a knee and it bends the wrong way...but I don't know what else to call it).

It hasn't gotten any better. I let them out to free range during the day and they go into their pen at night. She stays behind now when her buddies go out and was sitting on a nest of eggs...which seemed like a good use of her time while she had a bum leg. lol

I am worried about her but don't know if there is anything I can do. Are their issues ducks can have with their legs that might be causing this? (Like Marek's with chickens?)

Any advice or suggestions?

Thanks,

Deb

 

[jdywntr]

How old is she?
You can add niacin or brewer's yeast (if you don't already) it may help. I would try to keep her somewhat confined. If the boys are still trying to mate with her I would seperate them. With 2 male and female the girls may be getting over bred and that may have taken a toll on her joints.
Again, try to keep her confined, let her swim, without the males, its good exercise

 

[Patchesnposies]

How old is she?
You can add niacin or brewer's yeast (if you don't already) it may help. I would try to keep her somewhat confined. If the boys are still trying to mate with her I would seperate them. With 2 male and female the girls may be getting over bred and that may have taken a toll on her joints.
Again, try to keep her confined, let her swim, without the males, its good exercise

Thank you for the info. She is about 9 months old. I will add brewer's yeast. Can you tell me how much? Shall I add it to some wet food?

I agree it may have been that she was being mated too vigorously. I will separate the boys from the girls for a while and put her in her pool for a few minutes at a time.

I appreciate your advice!

Deb

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thank you for the info. She is about 9 months old. I will add brewer's yeast. Can you tell me how much? Shall I add it to some wet food?

I agree it may have been that she was being mated too vigorously. I will separate the boys from the girls for a while and put her in her pool for a few minutes at a time.

I appreciate your advice!

Deb

I am glad you said you would separate the boys from the girls for a while because with your one girl sitting and recuping the other girl would be getting all the boys attention and that wouldn't be good. Hopefully with time she'll heal. Good luck and let us know. about her and any new ducklings too.