Duckling can’t stretch out one leg, can hop

[rando72]

We had 5 ducks hatch, all are well, except one. Piper holds up one leg and it doesn’t extend- photos attached. It was like that when she hatched. She’s smaller than the rest, but they do act as a “guardian” to her, keeping her in the center when they walk around the yard. Any ideas on how we can help her? No experienced vet nearby that will see her.

 

[CapricornFarm]

We had 5 ducks hatch, all are well, except one. Piper holds up one leg and it doesn’t extend- photos attached. It was like that when she hatched. She’s smaller than the rest, but they do act as a “guardian” to her, keeping her in the center when they walk around the yard. Any ideas on how we can help her? No experienced vet nearby that will see her.

Sorry you are having a problem. I am not a duck keeper but I can ask a few questions so perhaps someone else can help you. Can you straighten out the leg or is it fused at the knee? Does she use that leg at all? Can she move that leg at the hip?

 

[rando72]

She uses the leg to scratch her head and she does move it at the hip. I tried to stretch it a little, as I had read that they can get “slipped tendons,” but she was uncomfortable, so I didn’t try any harder. It almost appears as if the leg/foot is twisted a bit. She swims okay.

 

[motherduckling]

I was wondering how this little duckling got on as o have one exactly the same and I’m worried. Did the poorly leg grow the same size at the other one ?