Duckling Bumblefoot?

[Pyxis]

Hey guys, I just got a couple ducklings, one pekin and two rouens, and I noticed this on the bottom of the pekin's feet. Is this bumblefoot?

There are also really small scab specks on the bottom of the other two's feet, but nothing like this. Is it bumblefoot? And how do I treat it if it is? Would it be easier just to take them all to my avian vet? He sees ducks and chickens as well as parrots.

 

[Amiga]

If you can get the duck to the vet, that may be best. In the meantime, it looks like a foot wound, indeed, with some infection, and you can treat it. Bumblefoot often has a smaller, dark center, not an open wound like that. It almost appears that someone may have tried to treat the bumblefoot by opening it.

With this problem, instead of pus, there is material that has a texture more like cottage cheese (apologies, but that seems the best description we have come up with). I try to catch it early so we don't need to open the foot, risking further infection.

For this, see if you can let the duckling swim in some clean (we know, it doesn't stay pristine) lukewarm water for a while (at least 15 minutes). Then apply some triple antibiotic ointment. I apply the ointment three times a day, initially (after a quick cleaning or wipe-off of the foot), then after a few days when there is improvement, twice a day, morning and evening (especially evening), for a couple of weeks, then once a day till it is gone. I go case by case to decide how thoroughly to clean, how often to treat, and whether to confine the duck. Usually I don't have to get too carried away, but this one looks troublesome.

Good for you, caring enough to deal with this!

The vet may be able to help you with some oral antibiotics and if this is an older infection, there is a risk it has gone systemic, and the topical ointment won't do the job.

 

[Pyxis]

Thanks! This is only my second time raising ducklings, so this made me really nervous, especially because it's on both of his feet. Should I use gauze and vet wrap to keep the area clean and keep him from wiping off the antibiotic? I was thinking it would be a good idea, just because the scabs are so large.

 

[veronicasmom]

Personally, since it is a baby and it is harder for them to fight off infections, I might opt for having a vet check that out. Treating it topically might not be enough for that. It looks a bit nasty to me.
Good luck to you and keep us informed on how it goes.

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

If you have access to a vet and don't mind spending the money, you may want to take her in. Amiga gave you great advice for treating yourself. Your vet will be able to prescribe antibiotics, which is always a good idea when infection is present. Also, my vet says that ducks are very sensitive to pain, so always prescribes metacam when one of my birds has an injury. Maybe ask your vet about that.

If you can keep this one in a clean, dry environment, that should heal in no time with your vet's help.

 

[jessiduck]

Bring them to a vet ! I'm sure that this is very treatable with ointments or antibiotics!

 

[Pyxis]

Alrighty, I already have an appointment with my vet on Friday for a chick with an eye infection, so my little duck might accompany us I'm relieved it isn't bumblefoot and I won't have to go cutting around. Thanks for all the good advice!

 

[Andora]

My adult female pekin had a bad foot wound that formed a big hard black lump. I soaked it 2-3 times a day in very warm water with epsom salt and then massaged the lump afterward each time. (Do not let the duck drink the salt water!) After about a week the lump burst on its own and I did soakings for about another week for good measure. She healed up and is fine now! I let her run around and didn't crate her during her lumpy foot illness. When I tried crating her it caused her way too much stress. I highly recommend soaking with epsom salt, it will really help!

 

[jessiduck]

Alrighty, I already have an appointment with my vet on Friday for a chick with an eye infection, so my little duck might accompany us

I'm relieved it isn't bumblefoot and I won't have to go cutting around. Thanks for all the good advice!

So glad to hear this!!!!!!!

 

[veronicasmom]

Good for you! You are a great duckie parent. Hope all turns out well.