Duck with weird legs

[Wannabe NE Farmer]

It would have to be an avian vet. As he grows and uses his hocks to get aound he will do damage to his legs and skin. The cardboard does need to be bigger but not much then lay his feet flat out on it and wrap.
Do the legs bend at all into a normal standing position? If so you might be able to splint.

They kind of do, but it’s not easy, and I’m not sure I could get them into that position. I don’t want to hurt him more.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I understand I think the best thing would be to have a vet examine his legs. Only other thing I was thinking can you get some good pics of his legs front and back. Is this slipped tendon? Just thinking out loud but wonder if you could make a chair similar to the ones in the links I gave you where his legs are hanging and this of course is after you find out if this is slipped tendons maybe begin adding tiny amounts of weight to his little legs so that he begins to let his legs hand in normal position. Weights may be like fishing lures that are different weights, [thinking of things small enough. ]Not being a fishing person I'm talking about the weights they use on the lines not the lures.
Here is some info on slipped tendon and what can be done. It seems most of the time if caught early they have a much better chance of coming through this.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...of-slipped-tendons-in-bantam-duckling.987977/

 

[HeatherKellyB]

Please let us know how the vet visit goes if you take this little sweetheart in

 

[Wannabe NE Farmer]

Ok, I built this wheelchair for Fuzzbert and let him sit in it for an hour today, while he happily ate and drank to his heart’s content a d his siblings hung out next to him. I’ve be also been doing some stretches with his legs and they are improving in range of motion. Does this look like he’s in a good position? I read various opinions on whether or not his feet should touch the ground, and I felt this was best for now. Thoughts? I’m thinking I will put him in it for 1 hour 2-3 times a day. Should I have his feet splinted like this when he is not in the chair? Thanks!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

That is an awesome chair! one of the best I've seen. You want his lil feet to be flat not turned or curled so yes I'd keep them splinted. And to me, I think I'd keep up with what your doing and gradually get him to the place where his feet are touching so he can use his feet to push up and down. which will be another form of therapy. Can you also do water therapy that can also help with getting his legs moving better. Of course these are just my opinions I am not a vet by any stretch of the imagination.
Lets see if we can get @Isaac 0 here and see if he can advise.

Fuzzbert is absolutely adorable

 

[Wannabe NE Farmer]

Thanks! That’s kind of what I was thinking for his feet as well… that he will eventually be able to touch the ground so he can strengthen his legs. He has full access to a pool during the day, but he doesn’t go in on his own (although he walks out easily on his own). I put him in the water twice a day (and monitor of course). I wasn’t sure if the foot splints should be on when he’s in the water (they are cardboard).

That is an awesome chair! one of the best I've seen. You want his lil feet to be flat not turned or curled so yes I'd keep them splinted. And to me, I think I'd keep up with what your doing and gradually get him to the place where his feet are touching so he can use his feet to push up and down. which will be another form of therapy. Can you also do water therapy that can also help with getting his legs moving better. Of course these are just my opinions I am not a vet by any stretch of the imagination.
Lets see if we can get @Isaac 0 here and see if he can advise.

Fuzzbert is absolutely adorable

 

[Miss Lydia]

No I wouldn't leave the splints on when he's in the water for one thing the cardboard will disintegrate and his feet would stay wet too.

If you have any plastic containers they make great splints for their feet. Use just like the cardboard but wrap with tape to cover sharp edges. Reusable too.

 

[Wannabe NE Farmer]

Great idea!! Thanks!