Ducklings eye injured

[Wlorraine]

Its raining, thank God. So I wasn't out with the ducks and chickens. But I was counting them (thru the window) to make sure everything is OK. I only saw 3 duckling there are 4. So I went outside to find the missing duckling, he was hiding under the work table. His eye is injured and had blood on his face. I brought him in clean him up, he seems very quiet or weak, I don't know which. But then I put him with the other ducklings and they picked on him and push him aside, this is not like them. I have 3 older ducks, the male is a bully and chases the others around a lot. Caught him yesterday trying to mound one of the duckling. So I think he did this but I am not sure. I have been trying to get the older duck to accept the younger ones but with no success. Any help would be appreciated. My husband wants to get rid of the older male but I don't want to because I don't believe any of the younger ones are male.

 

[Amiga]

The younger duck is likely in shock, and needs to be kept in a quiet clean place with food and fresh water. Is the eye intact? Once it is cleaned off, try putting some antibiotic ointment (no pain reliever that is bad for ducks) close to but not where it can get into the eye. There are eye antibiotics, and I suggest you get ahold of some.

Treat other scratches directly with the antibiotic ointment.

After the duck calms down a bit, give it a chance to swim in clean lukewarm water, to wash wounds and help it recover.

The aggressive duck must be kept separate for a period of time until the others are big enough to hold their own, and you may want to rethink keeping it. But for now give the benefit of the doubt, just keep it away from the others. That can be done just by splitting the pen with plastic poultry fence or similar material.

 

[Wlorraine]

Thank you so much. I put the young duck in the house already, she isn't eating or drinking any thing yet. But for the one eye damaged, she looks OK. I hope and pray she recovers.

 

[Amiga]

Can you get some antibiotics?

 

[Wlorraine]

Yes, I got some antibiotics and have put in around her eye. She gets up and calls out but then goes and lay down again. I don't believe she has eaten or drink any thing yet. I hope she better in the morning.

 

[Amiga]

You might dry holding a cup of water up to her bill and see if she will take it. Also, add some unpasteurized apple cider vinegar - a tablespoon to a pint of water - and if you are not already giving vitamins, add some to the water.

 

[Wlorraine]

Good news! This morning about 3:00 a.m. I went out to check on her and she was eating and drinking. Went back to bed and this morning she started calling out wanting to go out with the other ducks.. I took her out and watched her carefully and she is now doing great. Thank you, I believe that she recovered so well because of your advice. Thank you again.

 

[Miss Lydia]

 

[Amiga]

Keep watching her, keep up with antibiotics for a while, and hugs and prayers for you both!

And you have separated the older duckling(s), to avoid this in the future, yes? Just for a while, but this is important.