Injured duck

[LunaGirl]

I apoloize if this is not the right place to post this. My duck seems to have injured its leg. It is eating and swimming but is having a really hard time getting around. I've had chickens for some time now but ducks are new to me. Any advice for a newbie?

 

[cracking up]

Hi - my duck had the same problem and when I finally took a really good look it had a string tied around it just above where the feathers start. The limping had been getting worse for a while and we thought it was a real problem. Once we got the string off he got better pretty quick. Try to really get a good look and compare the two legs.

 

[threehorses]

Agreed on the careful examination. Also check the foot; my ducks tend to get tears in their webbing, sometimes causing them to limp for a couple of days. Feel the leg for heat as well. Is he just not putting weight on the leg, or is the foot dragging at all?

Also check the body above the leg carefully for any puncture wounds. Look at every inch in the heavy down above the leg, in the "thigh" meat. Sometimes they get a bite there and it effects leg use. If you see a wound, cleanse well and treat with antibiotic ointment (or PM me for an article on wound care).

Please do let us know how your duck does.

 

[LunaGirl]

Thanks for the input but I see absolutely nothing unusual about his leg. No marks, no nothing. This will be the fourth day and it just seems to be getting worse. He does put some weight on it but progressively through the week it seems that he puts less and less weight on it. Fine when he's swimming but real difficulty walking. It is so pitiful I just don't know what to do.

 

[froggie71]

How old is your duck? Are you sure it's an injury or just weakness.
Several people, including myself have had ducks with trembling/weak legs. After giving niacin or brewers yeast this seems to clear up. I hope it's something simple like that.

 

[LunaGirl]

He is probably 3 or 4 months old. We got them back around Easter when the baby chicks came in. I think it is more than a trembling leg because he can barely put weight on it anymore but I'm more than willing to try your suggestion. What do you give, where do you get it and how often/much?

Thanks!

 

[froggie71]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=173562
Here is a link that may or may not apply to your situation. I was able to get Brewers yeast at 2 different markets (Fresh Fields and Wegmann's) in their health departments. Keeps us updated on how your duck is doing. My DS 1st sprinkled some on food, but then added to their water and did this till the can ran out. We saw improvement within a week, but I'm not sure if it was due to the Brewers yeast or just time.

 

[threehorses]

I agree with trying the brewers yeast, or even a B-complex vitamin crushed and put into a wet treat. Any chance that he got into any wet or soured feed?

 

[LunaGirl]

Sadly I have a feeling this may end up being ignorance on my part. I had been feeding chicken food as they live with my flock of chickens and upon doing research I realize now that chicken food doesn’t supply the nutrients that they need. So we’ve have gone to the feed store and switched their food to waterfowl food. We have also picked up some electrolytes to add to their water as that also contains a good amount of niacin. I’m feeling pretty stupid right now and am truly hoping my duck has not suffered permanent damage. It seems possible that it should bounce back in about a week being on the proper food and the supplement of the electrolytes.

Believe me when I say lesson learned.

 

[threehorses]

Quote:
Oh I wouldn't be so hard on yourself.

Think about it this way: You came to a board online and asked about him, rather than just saying "it's a duck - if he lives, he lives" so right there you're already showing to be an exception duck mama!