Limping 16 week old duck

[liljenjennc]

My girl, Edward, started limping yesterday. She still uses it but tucks it a lot. She spent most of the day yesterday in the pool where she doesn't have any weight on it. There is no swelling or heat, and no signs of bumblefoot. There may have been a tiny scrape under her middle toe but that's all I could see. It doesn't seem to be any better or worse today. Should I give her over the weekend to improve or go ahead and take her to the vet tomorrow? And since I only have her and a male, would it stress them less if I let him ride along with us so as not to separate them? Thanks for any advice !

 

[GitaBooks]

I'm sorry to hear about your duck.

The problem could be a number of things:
I'm not sure what breed your duck is, but if it is Pekin it could be growing too fast. I would cut back on night time feedings if this were the case, to let its bones catch up to its bodies growth.

It could be an injury, such as a strained muscle. The small cut could have caused an infection, though you said it wasn't swollen or hot, so I doubt this is the case. Certain bacteria can cause infections even in small wounds.

Ducks can suffer niacin deficiency, which can cause leg problems. Niacin is a vitamin that is important for ducks. Chick starter may not have enough of it, you may have to switch to game bird starter/grower or purchase niacin tablets to supplement their diet. Dried brewers yeast is also a good way to supply niacin.


I hope your duck gets better. Best of luck!

 

[liljenjennc]

Thank you for your response! She is a black swedish. I have been putting brewers yeast on their food since they were 2 weeks. It just came on suddenly! I sprayed the cut with vetericyn last night hoping to help if there is any infection. I give them 1 cup of food a.m. and p.m. but they never finish it all. They have a 40x40 grassy pen so they forage all day. She is still resting a lot so maybe I can see if she is any better tomorrow. They are so routine oriented a vet trip will stress them heavily I'm afraid.

 

[GitaBooks]

Taking an animal to the vet is generally the best option, but it certainly can stress them. I would suggest taking her alone, since if he panics he may injure her further.
You could just wait and see if things get better, as long as she is feeding, drinking, and not show any other symptoms like problems breathing, laying eggs or messy droppings.

It sounds like your ducks are well taken care off! I hope she feels better.

 

[liljenjennc]

Thank you! I really try.. She hasnt started laying yet and everything is normal other than her leg so maybe I'll give her until Monday. Thank you for the advice about only taking her. I didn't even think about him hurting her. You are so right!!