I hope so! They are in distant Colorado, while I am in California. My daughter-in-law, however, is far more attentive, diligent and precise than I have ever been, even at my best. Last I heard she was awaiting my son's assistance to hold the bird, so that she could get a proper look at the wound. I must ask how that went! I get lost in my own doings, and before I know it, the time difference has made it too late to call.
It looked, from the image she sent to me, like a puncture, that had not bled much. I find that concerning, because without the flushing of the would that the bleeding amounts to, I fear that it will be far more likely to abscess. I had a cat with that condition years ago. It was not until I picked her up, causing the thing to pop, that I was aware of the wound at all.
I suggested to my kids that they lay in a supply of broad spectrum antibiotics, to have on hand just in case. But, what would you consider to be the cue to begin administering such medication, in a case such as the present one? I do not think that this is an especially friendly duck. They may not have an easy time checking temperature, inspecting the wound as often as they would like, etc. Are there any certain ducky urgent problem signs, that might be missed if not watched for?
Thank you so much!
By the way, the photo was of mother and daughter. In a shared nest, our broody duck was satisfied with the first baby to hatch, and left the rest. They were very happy together, until the first time mom took her chick to the pond. When mom saw the ducklings that other ducks had, she refused to care for her chick anymore. It was so sad! We raised that chick ourselves after that. When she grew up, she HATED ducks. Would attack them the moment she saw them. I guess her mom really broke her heart. Poor little chicken!
