Emergency! Duck can't move!

[Amiga]

I think it is way too early to consider killing the duck.

If there is apple cider vinegar in the house, add a tablespoon of that to a gallon of his water. It's a tonic and immune booster, I am told.

Keep him warm and quiet, as you have been.

Pedialyte (unflavored) at the grocery store give electrolytes. Adults sometimes drink it if they've had the flu or stomach bug. Add a tablespoon of that to one cup of water and let him sip out of that for a little while.

Probiotics can be given by adding unflavored unsweetened yogurt to water - similar to the electrolytes, put a few teaspoons in a cup of water and let him sip from that for a while.

The upper thigh section of an old stocking may work as a wrap - it would need to go completely around his body and hold the wing gently against his body - not too tight - you don't want to suffocate the poor guy.

Please keep us posted!

 

[GrannyCarol]

I agree, WAY too early to cull. We don't even know it is broken.

You don't even need to give Pedialyte, you can give Gator Aide, the sugars will probably be ok for him. You can feed Comfrey to help heal, if you have it available. Also, for antibiotic, you can squeeze Aloe Vera juice into his water. Mostly you want him to rest and to support his system in its efforts to heal. He may have eaten something toxic too. Mainly, if he is eating, he's not in huge pain or depressed (not as in sad, but as in his metabolism has slowed down in shock, damage or illness), so I would give it a go.

 

[Amiga]

Ditto GrannyCarol.

 

[DuckLover2399]

Quote:
Otay', it is possible he ate something toxic.

my animal hater, uninformed mother just told me my duck isnt going to live

 

[GrannyCarol]

Well, it is possible he won't, but you don't have to listen to her, just do take care of him as best you can. I don't think a vet would help that much anyway, seems to me they either want to survive and do, or they give up and die. I've nursed quite a few ducks, my vet doesn't really know anything about them and he's the only vet around. Most of the time, they are fine with support and care for a couple of weeks. As for your mother, be polite, but don't let her get you down.

 

[Amiga]

If he ate something toxic, flushing his system may help.

Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks suggests a pint of molasses or a pound of Epsom salts in 5 gallons of water as a laxative to help purge the toxin. That's a ratio of 1 part molasses per 8 parts of water.

So you could mix up one tablespoon of molasses in eight tablespoons of water and see if he'll drink a little of that - it will move things through his system more quickly.

Be sure to keep clean water in front of him - don't want him to dehydrate!

And let him know you care - that's some of the best treatment for any animal, regardless of the outcome.

 

[DuckLover2399]

He is doing Sooo much better!

 

[Amiga]

 

[duckdad]

Glad to hear your ducks doing better....never give up. They are fairly hearty if given the chance to heal....The first thing to do is to separate them from their flock so they are not trying to hide their weakness or stress over their place in the flock.

I recently healed my duckling and she was feet up....In a matter of hours something knocked the life out of her....literally on her back unable to turn over or stand.
Took her out and placed her in a "hospital pen"...a box with heating pad, small water dish that was spiked with cider vinegar, vitamins and some very finely chopped lettuce (lettuce is 90% water) and a mix of cabbage, carrot and a little mash. I sat with her all nite even kept her next to my bed as I tried to sleep.
next day showed improvement,.. so I continued the same treatment plan. 3 days later she was up and around...back to barking a little...poo returned to normal (was horribly stinky and dark) and shes good as new now. No idea what caused it. Was told perhaps a digestive disorder of some sort...

SO, isolation, rest, heat, cider vinegar, and vitamins with good food. And of course, your company and some affection helps.
The next step would have been OTC antibiotics but that was not necessary, thankfully.
I think the isolation (quiet) allow the bird to get the rest it needs. Being part of an active flock is stressful enough. Heat is important...if they do not feel warm to hold, then make them warm to help their body return to normal.

 

[ChickieBooBoo]

Quote:
I was just saying that IF he wing was broken, culling would be my choice. If its not, by all means do what you please.