hurt duckling

[mstanley1026]

I have a roughly 4 week old ducking who hurt on of its legs. at first she limped on it but before the day was over she wouldnt even stand up. I have seperated her from the rest so she could rest with plenty of food and electrolyte/vitamin water. My question is at one point do you make "the decision" ? Its been about four days and she has shown zero improvement but is still eating and drinking. i dont want her suffering needlessly

 

[needlessjunk]

Have you checked her over to see what is causing it? Is there a cut, broke bone, swollen? Have they been getting extra niacin? Ducks need more than chicks and usually need supplementation.

 

[mstanley1026]

It does seem a bit swollen but no bruising or anything. It could be broken but there's no deformities to tell for sure. I don't even know how she could've done it..she does chirp more if you pull at all on that leg.

 

[Debs Flock]

It does seem a bit swollen but no bruising or anything. It could be broken but there's no deformities to tell for sure. I don't even know how she could've done it..she does chirp more if you pull at all on that leg.

Have your ducks been getting the Niacin? Does the leg feel warmer than normal?

 

[Amiga]

I think it is entirely too early to consider killing the duckling for a hurt leg.

I would start her or him on brewer's yeast, a tablespoon per cup of feed, I would wrap the leg for several minutes twice a day in an Epsom salt compress (don't let the little ingest any - it is a laxative) and follow that with a tiny dab of T-Relief ointment.

It could be a bad sprain. Those are just part of the life of a duck - and though they are slow to heal entirely, they do heal - especially with a bit of encouragement.

Please keep us posted.

 

[mstanley1026]

so there is some good news and some bad news.. the good news is after a nice bath in my sink(she was disgusting from laying in one spot pooping) she is moving the leg some. more rotating it then anything. I was very excited about this because it was the first time she has even acted like she had any feeling in that leg. now for the bad new the foot itself seems to be curling up. the toes i mean. and she wont straighten them on her own. with some gentle movement to see if she had any sensation in the foot i think whatever she did its only in one toe. on the outside of her foot. she was very upset when i touched it and at the middle joint is a rather noticable ball.. it seems more than just swelling to me. i tripl checked for any cuts or bites and nothing. i dont know if this girl is gonna be able to walk again or not!

 

[Amiga]

Yay for the good news!

Have you started her on supplements or used an Epsom salt compress yet?

 

[mstanley1026]

yes to both

 

[Amiga]

Yay again - sometimes it just takes a few days to see improvement - though we ought not get our hopes up too high - but I am optimistic. I don't know if you should consider making some kind of a brace yet to help keep her toes straight.

@casportpony did you write that you had done that for a chick?

 

[mstanley1026]

nope i didnt. i had thought about it but didnt put it on here must of been someone else. i just worry about her laying on the foot all day and all night cause it almost is starting to look deformed. she doesnt even attempt to straighten it in the water or laying down