How to treat frostbite on ducks feet

[Waddlewoods]

Hey,

I devastated!! A friend was looking after my duckies for a few days and I just noticed my favourite duck, my OG drake has frostbite on his feet.
It's especially sad because he broke his leg in the summer and it still limps because of it. His leg was doing so well but this winter has been hard on him. I always make sure to put lots of straw down and to make sure he doesn't stay out too long since he can't really rotate his feet. None of my other ducks have frostbite.

I have him in the basement now. His good foot has some black on the one toe and webbing and then some grey on the other toe with a bit of swelling. His other foot has a bit of grey. He seems in great spirits. I'm not sure how long it has been like this as I was gone for 4 days. He's standing and bobbing happily when I go check on him. Eating and drinking tons. I gave him a luke warm foot bath to assess and there doesn't appear to be any open wounds. What should I put on them to help them heal? Is straw bedding ok? How long will it take to heal or will it heal at all? Thank you.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would just leave the area alone. At this point there's nothing you can do but wait until the tissue slough off. If it bleed a bit than I would apply a wound spray at that point. It generally takes a month or even longer for it all to heal. It happens, don't be too hard on yourself, or the friend.

 

[Waddlewoods]

I would just leave the area alone. At this point there's nothing you can do but wait until the tissue slough off. If it bleed a bit than I would apply a wound spray at that point. It generally takes a month or even longer for it all to heal. It happens, don't be too hard on yourself, or the friend.

Ok thank you for the reply!!

Would it be advised to keep him inside until it's healed? My house currently smells like duck. Haha. I don't mind a few weeks but a month is a little much. Hubby is already on my case. Haha. I mean don't get me wrong, I totally will if that's what's best for him.

 

[Sondraa]

I am currently living with ducks inside at night.
1 more week until thry have enough feathers and coop is ready. Counting the days. They are super cute but Duck ode de Cologne is not my preferred scent. *understatement.

I would definitely keep your duck inside at least until the full damage in known.

 

[Waddlewoods]

I am currently living with ducks inside at night.
1 more week until thry have enough feathers and coop is ready. Counting the days. They are super cute but Duck ode de Cologne is not my preferred scent. *understatement.

I would definitely keep your duck inside at least until the full damage in known.

Right!?

I feel like ducklings and youngins don't stink nearly as much as my drake! I swear!! Probably from him not getting a really good bath in so long since it's been below freezing for a solid month now if not longer (Ontario, Canada). Our basement is currently under renovation too so my laundry tub is out of commission where I would normally give him a good bath (hubby forbids them in the same tub where we bathe the babies). The ducks all still get fresh deep water to submerge their heads in every day but I can't wait till they can go for a proper swim.
In a couple weeks though I will have a brand new duckie condo & ICU in my basement with their very own tub & shower stall. Can't wait!
For now he's getting splash baths in our tiny basement bathroom sink.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Ok thank you for the reply!!

Would it be advised to keep him inside until it's healed? My house currently smells like duck. Haha. I don't mind a few weeks but a month is a little much. Hubby is already on my case. Haha. I mean don't get me wrong, I totally will if that's what's best for him.

My poultry occasionally get frostbite. I do not bring them inside. I think the temperature difference is too stressful on them. They can overheat.

 

[Sondraa]

Right!?

I feel like ducklings and youngins don't stink nearly as much as my drake! I swear!! Probably from him not getting a really good bath in so long since it's been below freezing for a solid month now if not longer (Ontario, Canada). Our basement is currently under renovation too so my laundry tub is out of commission where I would normally give him a good bath (hubby forbids them in the same tub where we bathe the babies). The ducks all still get fresh deep water to submerge their heads in every day but I can't wait till they can go for a proper swim.
In a couple weeks though I will have a brand new duckie condo & ICU in my basement with their very own tub & shower stall. Can't wait!
For now he's getting splash baths in our tiny basement bathroom sink.

Sounds amazing! Pics requested when complete!

 

[Sydney65]

The following thread is about a chicken. If you read through it, though, you'll see how she recovered. Further on in the thread , I think?.. my own experience with 2 guineas and their recovery, photos included in both. Matilda, & my guineas, lived inside during treatment. My girls were in for 11 wks.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/matilda-is-going-to-lose-her-feet.1454933/