Duck with bad leg

[backyardfarmer2]

hello, my family and I hatched out a jumbo Pekin duck egg we ordered on eBay using our awesome partridge silkie. Baby duck hatched all on her own and mama instantly took over. Anyways baby duck was born with a bad leg that's pretty "knotty" and her foot is pretty bent under her. We tried several times splinting it on our own with a makeshift shoe and called the vets which wouldn't take her. We are three weeks in and she gets around fine but basically walks on that one foot sideways and on the ankle. She's not in pain and can swim, do you guys think I should just leave her be or try something else? If it makes any difference our flock only consists of two silkies and her in a nice coop/run also a fenced in backyard they roam around in. Thank you!!

 

[Amiga]

There are a number of things you can try - keeping weight off it till it is better or till you can make a custom brace is a good idea - time in lukewarm to warmish (about 80F) water can help circulation, strength, and relief from the weight. Jumbo Pekins need help making sure their legs are not injured, and they do tend to have leg trouble due to their large size. But it does not have to be a sad story.

Very good nutrition, including B vitamins and proper amounts of protein may help. Making sure any inflammation is managed immediately helps. The Ultimate Pet Duck Guidebook has a number of sections on helping ducks with leg problems.

Poultrypedia has a leg page that may give you ideas.

Folks make slings and bouncy chairs for their ducks with leg issues.

I think creativity, willingness to research, and patience help. Ducks are fabulous little friends and I think they know when we are going out of our way to help them.

 

[ajallchorn]

My pekin also has leg and hip trouble. Not to the extent of yours by the sound of it (which I am very sorry to hear about!) - it is something that has gotten better with the help of Aloe Vera Gel drink! I tried lots of different nutrients, food additives and powders etc but this is the one that seemed to make the most noticeable difference! I give her the one that's for joint trouble and mobility and she is much stronger already!

 

[backyardfarmer2]

Thank you guys for the wonderful advice!