Emergency! A limp duck with a dark spot on foot!

[JellyJoy]

Thank you so much for any help. Does anyone know what happened to this poor limp duck?

Actually, they are not my duck. But they come over to sleep on the grass in front of my house every night. So I treat them like my neighbor.

Two days ago I found the male one is lame in his left foot. Today I think it's getting worse cause a black or dark spot appears on his leg. I feel so worried and I'm trying to find their owner tmr. But I guess I can still get some good suggestions from here. If I can't find their owner tmr, should I take him to a vet immediately? I can't just see him suffering and, even, die one day.

They live around a stream with a lot of big rocks. Every day they swim and walk in the stream from this side to another side. Recently there is not much rain and the water level is very low. That means they have to walk more and swim less. I'm not sure if he gets injured due to the hard rocks.

I heard that someone is feeding them but most of the time they are just like wild animals. I never feed them. They just get food from the stream and the grass. The stream is kind of clean with plants onshore. I met other animals like water mice, water snakes, and other ducks (pacific black) in this stream as well.

By the way, his bill is also scratching I guess? Is it a signal of malnutrition?

Thank you again for any help!

 

[kwik-kwak]

I don't see exactly what you mean in the picture, it's a bit blurry. Is it cold where you live? Then it might be frostbite and otherwise a bumblefoot is a possibility. If it's cold you can put straw in some places so they can get off the cold ground for a while.

I've only recently got ducks so I'm by no means an expert. I hope someone can help you better.

 

[JellyJoy]

I don't see exactly what you mean in the picture, it's a bit blurry. Is it cold where you live? Then it might be frostbite and otherwise a bumblefoot is a possibility. If it's cold you can put straw in some places so they can get off the cold ground for a while.

I've only recently got ducks so I'm by no means an expert. I hope someone can help you better.

Thank you for your reply! There's a dark, arrow shape wound in the middle of his leg and I'm sure that's not what he originally has. I'm in Australia and now it's summer, 12-21degree on average.

 

[JellyJoy]

I don't see exactly what you mean in the picture, it's a bit blurry. Is it cold where you live? Then it might be frostbite and otherwise a bumblefoot is a possibility. If it's cold you can put straw in some places so they can get off the cold ground for a while.

I've only recently got ducks so I'm by no means an expert. I hope someone can help you better.

Sorry for the poor image quality! It was pretty late when they showed up in front of my house today so there's not much light for a clear photo. I've adjusted my photo layout so you can check them again. There's a dark wound in the middle of his leg. I'm in Australia and we are in summer now so it might not be a weather problem. Thanks anyway!

 

[Miss Lydia]

The problem with a wound is an infection if not cleaned properly and treated. So if you can get him to a vet that would be best. Looks like he has a goose for a friend.
So sad that they aren't being cared for by a human. Domestic ducks usually don't do well on their own. For one thing, they can't fly to get away from predators. neither can many breeds of geese.

 

[JellyJoy]

The problem with a wound is an infection if not cleaned properly and treated. So if you can get him to a vet that would be best. Looks like he has a goose for a friend.
So sad that they aren't being cared for by a human. Domestic ducks usually don't do well on their own. For one thing, they can't fly to get away from predators. neither can many breeds of geese.

Yes indeed. They look not that agile compared with Pacific Black ducks. And they never suceed in having babies I would say. Poor guys. I will call some local poultry organizations or vet today if I can't find the owner. Thank you for reply!

 

[JellyJoy]

The problem with a wound is an infection if not cleaned properly and treated. So if you can get him to a vet that would be best. Looks like he has a goose for a friend.
So sad that they aren't being cared for by a human. Domestic ducks usually don't do well on their own. For one thing, they can't fly to get away from predators. neither can many breeds of geese.

Oh by the way, the white one is also a duck I think! Maybe the picture is not clear enough. She doesn't have a bump on her head and that's how I know she's a duck. Not an expert on this! Looking forward to your suggestion.

 

[kwik-kwak]

I also think the white one is a goose. For example, in this link you can see a number of breeds: https://chickenmag.com/all-goose-breeds/
Good that you want to take care of this duck. Is it always together with just the goose or are there more. It would be sad for the goose if it's left alone...
But if that is the only option then so be it as the duck really needs medical attention. Perhaps you can discuss whether they can also take the goose with them. I don't know about Australia but it looks like a domesticated one to me.

Wouldn't you want to take care of them yourself if you have enough space?

 

[JellyJoy]

I also think the white one is a goose. For example, in this link you can see a number of breeds: https://chickenmag.com/all-goose-breeds/
Good that you want to take care of this duck. Is it always together with just the goose or are there more. It would be sad for the goose if it's left alone...
But if that is the only option then so be it as the duck really needs medical attention. Perhaps you can discuss whether they can also take the goose with them. I don't know about Australia but it looks like a domesticated one to me.

Wouldn't you want to take care of them yourself if you have enough space?

I also think the white one is a goose. For example, in this link you can see a number of breeds: https://chickenmag.com/all-goose-breeds/
Good that you want to take care of this duck. Is it always together with just the goose or are there more. It would be sad for the goose if it's left alone...
But if that is the only option then so be it as the duck really needs medical attention. Perhaps you can discuss whether they can also take the goose with them. I don't know about Australia but it looks like a domesticated one to me.

Wouldn't you want to take care of them yourself if you have enough space?

Good news! I talk to my neighbor this afternoon. He said they don't have a owner and he will look after the poor duck. And guess what! The male one is getting better when I checked him just now! He's still limping but at least the wound disappeared and he can lay down as normal. Maybe he can recover by himself. I'll keep checking on him. Yes they are also domestic species in Australia but might be dumped by someone. Sad. I really want to take care of them but I'm renting a house and don't have the permission to have pets or build a pen. I will try my best to look after them. Today I fed them brown rice on moderation. Just a pinch, with water. I learned that brown rice is high in niacin and good for a strong joint for ducks. About the white one, yes, always just them being together, no other poultry. I will show you a pic of the White one. I saw she has a flat bill but I'm not sure. Thanks!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Oh by the way, the white one is also a duck I think! Maybe the picture is not clear enough. She doesn't have a bump on her head and that's how I know she's a duck. Not an expert on this! Looking forward to your suggestion.
Oh by the way, the white one isShe doesn't have a bump on her head and that's how I know she's a duck. Not an expert on this! Looking forward to your suggestion.

Not all white geese have knobs on their heads. I have an Embden[white] without a knob. Can't really see the white that well so maybe it is a duck. I hope you can find help for the injured one and maybe a new safe home. With the duck being hurt it is easy prey for a fox etc. It's easy prey anyway but being injured more so.