I was out this morning taking care of our ducks, and had just filled up their pool when I spotted this duck on the other side of the pen hobbling over trying to get in with them. It must be a duckling because it can't fly. The nearest watering hole is two blocks away so he had to walk a good distance to get here. That is the problem though, he can't walk but scoots and hobbles. It reminds me of a duckling with a niacin deficiency, and I am hoping that is all it is. I don't think he has a broken leg, and I am hoping he is not diseased with anything, as my flock checked him out before I could get to them. Can wild ducks suffer from niacin deficiency? I gave him some Poly Vi Sol and will know in the next few days if it could be that. It helped our Cayuga who had the same symptoms when she was a duckling. Other than not being able to walk, he seems fine. His eyes are clear and no drainage from his nose. He is feisty little booger, and bit my arm.
His feet aren't webbed like my domesticated ducks. You can see in the picture that they are webbed but separated at the toes. So what is he, and what do you think could be wrong? I can't quarantine him completely away from my flock, but he is not with them. Please tell me you don't think he is diseased. That is the last thing I need.
Remember, you can click on the pictures to get a closer view of his feet.
Update: Thanks to the help from my fellow BYC'ers I now know what found it's way to our home, a Grebe. I found this website that explains why he might be is here. I will keep him for the night to rest, and will relese him at the lake tomorrow. http://www.chintiminiwildlife.org/Education/WildNatHist/PiedBilGrebe.htm
His feet aren't webbed like my domesticated ducks. You can see in the picture that they are webbed but separated at the toes. So what is he, and what do you think could be wrong? I can't quarantine him completely away from my flock, but he is not with them. Please tell me you don't think he is diseased. That is the last thing I need.
Remember, you can click on the pictures to get a closer view of his feet.
Update: Thanks to the help from my fellow BYC'ers I now know what found it's way to our home, a Grebe. I found this website that explains why he might be is here. I will keep him for the night to rest, and will relese him at the lake tomorrow. http://www.chintiminiwildlife.org/Education/WildNatHist/PiedBilGrebe.htm
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GREAT INVESTIGATING Appylover!!!!
