Duckling leg deformity - please help :(

[Junkdrawer]

Hey all!

We helped watch some late hatchlings for a friend and the only duckling that survived came out with a pretty noticeable leg deformity. She seems to be able to walk and run and scuttle around pretty well but I'm concerned that as she gets older and heavier this is going to turn into a painful problem.

Her foot is very crooked and turns inward with a little bit of tow curling, sort of like she has club foot, and it causes her to walk on her ankle joint instead of her actual foot.

We tried to make shoes and splits but they either fell right off or didn't seem to be what she needed. We're not sure how to help her because we're scared we're going to break her little leg.

I attached pictures. The foot is very stiff and doesn't move back into it's proper position well. She doesn't like me messing with it but I can't tell if it's because it hurts her or because she just doesn't like to be handled.

She's about a week old and I desperately need help on how to fix this.

 

[-Flash-]

I don't know much about ducks..... sorry, but maybe @azygous or @Wyorp Rock would know?

 

[TheCluckyClucker2]

Poor duck!

 

[The WinterWolf]

i'm not sure exactly how to help, but you could make her a duck walker by weaving a dreamcatcher-style thing..(i can teach you!) if you had wheels you could, but you have to be with her 24/7..

 

[Crazy Maizie]

You can splint it, but most likely it won't be 100% straight. They have splints you can get on my pet chicken or etsy.
I'd start with adding 1mL of liquid super b complex to her diet to help with leg issues and growth.
There are a few threads here on the duck forum with good advice about leg issues.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

This is a good post from @HollowOfWisps with a similar issue.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-duckling-has-a-deformed-leg.1504058/post-25187675

 

[Crazy Maizie]

I don't know much about ducks..... sorry, but maybe @azygous or @Wyorp Rock would know?

Those members are well versed in chickens and chicken issues, but I don't think those 2 ever post about ducks. If we tag them for every little thing or topics that they aren't familiar with, the bigger issues will get overlooked.

 

[Peas4Ducks]

How does she do with swimming?

 

[picklestheduck]

I don't know much about this, but I'm hoping it works out for her! Shes BEAUTIFUL by the way!!!

 

[azygous]

That the foot seems to be "frozen" in position may mean it's a genetic defect and this little guy will need to live with it.