duckling with leg problem

[ZooZoo]

When i went to check on my pekin ducklings i found them all huddled up. When i went to pick them up i noticed one had something wrong with its leg. It can no longer walk. The leg comes inward, instead of the usual spraddle leg (i think thats what its called) that comes outward. They are about 1 and a half weeks old. What should i do? Since its not a day old duckling his/her leg is thick, so its not as simple as a band-aid or something.

 

[DrakeMaiden]

I'm not sure, could it have broken it's leg? Is the brooder floor slippery? Does it look like it hurts to stand on it?

 

[ZooZoo]

It definitly looks like it hurts to stand on it. The brooder floor was not slippery. It had shavings. I guess it could possibly have broken it. What should i do?

 

[DrakeMaiden]

Most likely it is only broken if it slipped. I think it is possible even with shavings, if the brooder is a little slick.

If that is the only symptom (leg problem) then I think a break is suspect. If there are other symptoms, I would consider what else it could be . . . .

Healing broken bones is relatively easy, if I remember correctly. But I think you have to re-align the leg PROPERLY and then bind it with something. I would google it for more information, if I were you, before doing anything. Chicken and Duck anatomy should be fairly similar. Someone here might have experience.

1. Make sure it IS broken -- look to see if the leg looks out of alignment, or see if you can feel it (probably will be difficult, but not impossible).
2. Set it properly -- that you will have to look up.

The best person I know to advise you is dlhunicorn. PM her. Hopefully she can give you answers. Otherwise search the web for everything you can find before doing anything!

I'd help, but I have to go now . . . . GOOD LUCK!

Also you might try starting a new thread that says "broken leg" if that is what you truly believe it is.

 

[greyfields]

If it turns out to not be broken, check for a bumble.