Duck with crooked tail

ambe0487

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I have a duck that has developed a crooked tail over the last year. She is about 4 years old and I've had her for almost 2 years. I'm wondering what happened and what I can do to help her.
I will add a photo in comments
 
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She looks really rough in this photo because she was my drakes favorite this season.
 
Are you keeping her away from the drakes? She needs you to keep her safe and healthy.
 
Yes I have removed him from the flock. she is looking wonderful after her molt and the winter. She went broody in late fall which is also when I took the picture above.

This is her today.
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By "crooked" do you mean that the tail turns off to the side? That's what it looks like to me, if she's the one in the middle in the last pic? I would guess she's had some sort of back injury, or even neurological damage, that is causing her to hold her tail that way. I don't think there's much to do about that, to be honest. Best bet would be to take her to a vet for a thorough exam and possibly x-rays if you are concerned she might be in pain. Otherwise if she's eating and acting like a normal, happy duck, I wouldn't be too concerned. Just watch for signs of pain, such as decrease in appetite, behavior changes, lagging behind the other ducks, reluctant to walk or move much, etc.

This is just my initial thought with the pics and what you've described. If this was a new thing I would definitely suggest a vet, but since it's been this way for a year and she seems to be doing ok otherwise, it's not as concerning.
 
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By "crooked" do you mean that the tail turns off to the side? That's what it looks like to me, if she's the one in the middle in the last pic? I would guess she's had some sort of back injury, or even neurological damage, that is causing her to hold her tail that way. I don't think there's much to do about that, to be honest. Best bet would be to take her to a vet for a thorough exam and possibly x-rays if you are concerned she might be in pain. Otherwise if she's eating and acting like a normal, happy duck, I wouldn't be too concerned. Just watch for signs of pain, such as decrease in appetite, behavior changes, lagging behind the other ducks, reluctant to walk or move much, etc. 

This is just my initial thought with the pics and what you've described. If this was a new thing I would definitely suggest a vet, but since it's been this way for a year and she seems to be doing ok otherwise, it's not as concerning.


Yes her tail goes to the side. She seems to be the same sassy self. Honestly I got her from a farmer where her mate had died. I can't say I really paid attention to see if it was like that before. I was more concerned that she seemed small for a Rouen when I got her and focused on fattening her up. I'll have to get her into see our vet to be sure.

Thanks!
 
No problem! Come back and let us know what the vet says if you end up taking her in. :)
 

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