Duckling with broken leg, what should I do?

vicki2x2

Super Chick
11 Years
Feb 9, 2008
2,950
23
214
Central Michigan
A couple of days ago, we looked out to see a fox attacking our muscovy hen and her ducklings. This was about 6:30 am. I ran out yelling and waving a baseball bat (closest thing at hand) and scared him off, he dropped two duckling in his mouth as he squeezed under the fence. Which I didn't realize was possible but that is another story. One duckling was already dead, another had a hurt leg. I think he had already made a trip or two, because a couple others were already missing.

I could see some bruises on his leg and foot and hoped it was just bruised. He held it up while walking. I put him back with mom in a more secure pen and have been watching him for a couple of days but see no improvement. Today I checked him closer and think his femur bone is broken. Should I bind it up to his body to let it heal? OR? Also, should I put him back with mom and sibs or keep him inside for a while? Oh, I should mention, they were just hatched 5-27.
 
How far up is the suspected break?

If you can put the bone ends together and splint with popsicle sticks, you may be able to get it to heal.
Use vet wrap and splints, but make sure the sticks are not long enough to poke him .
You wil need to keep the duckling separated and as immobile as possible.

Good luck and keep us posted.
 
It seems to be broken just about the hock joint, if that is what it is called on a duck. I splinted it with vet wrap and wooden match sticks, popsicle sticks are too big. I guess great minds and all that. I am not holding on a lot of hope though, I noticed his foot was also a dusky color today and suspect that the blood flow has been compromised by the break. Not a good thing. I guess we will wait and see. He doesn't use it at all.
 
well i had a chicken with a broken leg and it was bad!!! it started to smell also so i gave it warn baths everyday and put proixcide on it everyday!!! She limps now but she made it and now shes my best friend!!!!!!! lol
 

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