HELP! Duck foot problem

[DaleFarm]

First, I do not know if I am doing this correctly because I have just recently joined. I purchased a Pekin duckling at a local farm store a month ago. The duck is living in my basement in a blocked off area with a mallard duck friend, food, water and a small pool. The duck was doing great until last Wednesday/Thursday. We noticed that is was doing a lot of talking. I checked on it several times and it was standing in its pool along with the other duck. The next morning, it was STILL in the same spot. I tapped on the side of the pool to see what it would do. The mallard jumped out, but the Pekin wouldn't move. I picked it up and it's feathers were water logged and it was shivering. I assumed it had wet feather so I gave it a bath with Dawn dish soap, dried it, isolated it with a heat lamp and heating pad. I also began giving it liquid vitamin B because that seems to be a cure all. As I was giving it a bath I noticed there was a white spot on top of the ducks foot and its leg was warm and swollen. We assumed it had strained the foot trying to get out of the pool or because it was standing for so long in the pool. Each day the duck seems to have improved except for it's leg and foot. Three days later, the feathers are much better, the duck is eating and is full of sass. It is putting some weight on the foot and walking just a little bit. I examined the foot last night and noticed the white spot is now very dark on top and the bottom also has dark and white area. I do not see a scab just discoloration and swelling. Any one have an idea what is going on and how I can help my duck without seeing a vet?

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

Let me tag a couple of members that might be able to help you.

@Miss Lydia
@New duck mommy 2021

 

[Miss Lydia]

First, I do not know if I am doing this correctly because I have just recently joined. I purchased a Pekin duckling at a local farm store a month ago. The duck is living in my basement in a blocked off area with a mallard duck friend, food, water and a small pool. The duck was doing great until last Wednesday/Thursday. We noticed that is was doing a lot of talking. I checked on it several times and it was standing in its pool along with the other duck. The next morning, it was STILL in the same spot. I tapped on the side of the pool to see what it would do. The mallard jumped out, but the Pekin wouldn't move. I picked it up and it's feathers were water logged and it was shivering. I assumed it had wet feather so I gave it a bath with Dawn dish soap, dried it, isolated it with a heat lamp and heating pad. I also began giving it liquid vitamin B because that seems to be a cure all. As I was giving it a bath I noticed there was a white spot on top of the ducks foot and its leg was warm and swollen. We assumed it had strained the foot trying to get out of the pool or because it was standing for so long in the pool. Each day the duck seems to have improved except for it's leg and foot. Three days later, the feathers are much better, the duck is eating and is full of sass. It is putting some weight on the foot and walking just a little bit. I examined the foot last night and noticed the white spot is now very dark on top and the bottom also has dark and white area. I do not see a scab just discoloration and swelling. Any one have an idea what is going on and how I can help my duck without seeing a vet?View attachment 3490052View attachment 3490053

Are you putting anything on the foot? Soaking in Warm Epsom salt water might help give some healing. Almost looks like frost bite.

 

[DaleFarm]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

Let me tag a couple of members that might be able to help you.

@Miss Lydia
@New duck mommy 2021

Thank You

 

[DaleFarm]

Are you putting anything on the foot? Soaking in Warm Epsom salt water might help give some healing. Almost looks like frost bite.

I haven't done anything to it yet. I thought frost bite too, but the duck has been in our basement. I wouldn't think the pool water would get that cold in our basement.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I’d take the pool out for now. Especially if the duckling isn’t fully feathered. I can’t see it being frost bite either maybe just sitting in the cold water for so long. Use warm Epsom salt water and soak then apply with Veterycin spray for wounds an infection or something like triple antibiotic

 

[Ourgosling22]

I haven't done anything to it yet. I thought frost bite too, but the duck has been in our basement. I wouldn't think the pool water would get that cold in our basement.

I agree with Miss Lydia on the pool. You say basement so I’m thinking rough floor? What do you have as their bedding?

 

[DaleFarm]

I agree with Miss Lydia on the pool. You say basement so I’m thinking rough floor? What do you have as their bedding?

I use horse bedding (pine shavings).

 

[DaleFarm]

I’d take the pool out for now. Especially if the duckling isn’t fully feathered. I can’t see it being frost bite either maybe just sitting in the cold water for so long. Use warm Epsom salt water and soak then apply with Veterycin spray for wounds an infection or something I like triple antibiotic

I will pick up some spray today and begin soaking in Epsom. Hopefully, it will heal.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Let us know how the duckling is doing please.