injured duckling help needed UPDATED

[tory]

Okay, so yesterday we stopped at TSC to pick up some wormer for our horses. My 16 year old son went gaga over the ducklings, begging for us to get some (minimum purchase is 2). I REFUSED as we do NOT need more animals and I know zip about ducklings. Unfortunately, the TSC folks know us, so one of the gals brought out an injured duckling that had been pecked visciously in the head and wasn't doing well. Duckling seemed to be in shock but was still alive. She explained that the TSC policy was to throw out the injured ducklings/chicks as they aren't allowed to try to help them. I'm a retired vet tech so that was NOT going to happen and we came home with one tramatized/injured duckling. We've applied neosporin to the head wound and currently have the duckling in an old 2 gallon fish tank with lamp on for warmth and a hot water bottle for warmth. We've got a handful of starter feed from TSC to see if he/she/it made it through the night. I honestly did not expect it to make it through the night, but it has.

When we brought it home it was not very active and just shivered. Late last night, it started moving around and is has been walking round and round the tank for a while (not really walking, pushes with legs so it goes forward but head is over back, not upright). Then it falls on its side or back and frantically peddles it's legs constantly. Does not seem to have much control of balance or neck but is very strong now. Which is better than it was doing last night. We are feeding it every hour or so (hold body, dip beak in wet food, tip back upright and duckling swallows). My biggest concern is that it can't seem to stay upright. It is peeing and pooping normally.

Any suggestions? It is much stronger than it was when first injured and IS eating and drinking when we help it do so. I do not have any exotic animal vets in our area and travelling to a vet outside the area is not an option.

Thanks,
Tory

 

[The Duck ABC's]

It could be neurological, and that explains the picking of the others. It could also be a vitamin deficiency. So go to the store and get Volyvisol infant drops without iron, and niacin (not the flush-free version). For the drops 1 drop 2-3 times per day directly into the mouth. The niacin 100mg per 1 gallon of water as drinking water. You should see improvement within days, but the duckling may need to be on it for at least 2 weeks. Good luck.

 

[tory]

What store do I go to Volyvisol infant drops w/o iron & the niacin? Walmart? Pet Store? TSC?

What store do I get them at?

Thanks,
Tory

 

[The Duck ABC's]

Vitamin isle at Walmart or grocery store. Walmart is a problem when it comes to finding the right niacin. I do find it at Albertsons. You can also go to TSC and get something called poult pak. That contains all of it.

 

[DuckLover179]

Niacin will help a lot! You can also buy "Poult Pak" on www.metzerfarms.com and it has Niacin, and other vitamins that will help the little guy/girl!

 

[pirtykitty]

you can also use Durvet Vitamins and Electorlytes . I get mine at the feed stroe.. Tractor supply might carry it too. you put 1/4 teaspoon to gallon of water. and this is its drinking water. I would mix up and pour from jug into its waterer. and changed daily or when becomes dirty.. I used the water that you fill up bottle and screw into lid and flip

 

[tory]

Unfortunately, the duckling passed away at 2 am. He was eating and drinking up to about 5 minutes before he passed. My only consolation is that we tried and he passed, safe and warm and cared for.

Thanks to all for the advise. My son is heartbroken but we were realistic about his chances. I told him that the little one had only about a 5% chance of making it so it wasn't unexpected.

I really appreciate the prompt response from everyone (we got the poultry pak from TSC yesterday and gave that to him). You're a great bunch of folks and when we do eventually get another (probably pair) of ducklings down the road, I'll be back! I want to wait awhile until we are more prepared to add a small flock to our menagerie.

Tory

 

[gofasterstripe]

Sorry to hear about your little duck. When you are ready to get ducks, dont get 2...1 might die then you have to go on the hunt for a friend...always get 3 incase it happens

 

[azhenhouse]

It is sad...at least you can rest knowing that you did everything you could.