Limping Duckling

[chelseachook]

Hi,
I have a young runner duck raising two 4 day old khaki campbell ducklings. For the past couple days, I have been letting them into the run with the chickens and my other duck. The two adults are very loving towards them, but sometimes accidentally lightly step on them. This morning, one duckling is walking strangely, with a bit of a limp. One leg trails behind when it swims as well. I can't see any injury on the leg or foot, and I have been supplementing niacin. Is there anything that can be done to fix its leg? Any advice would be appreciated

 

[Duckduckchicken32]

@Wyorp Rock @azygous ill call in some people who will have more experience!

 

[nuthatched]

It's likely just a minor injury, I wouldn't worry unless it gets worse.

 

[chelseachook]

It's likely just a minor injury, I wouldn't worry unless it gets worse.

Ok, that's good to hear. I hope it heals on its own. Thanks for replying

 

[azygous]

As @nuthatched has mentioned, it's likely a minor injury - bruise or a strain of a tendon. But do watch the duckling and if it appears it's worsening instead of getting better, then you might need to limit its activities so the injury can rest. Epsom salt soaks may be necessary to help heal the injured tissue.

It might be wise to limit the number of adults that are in with the babies until they get old enough to know how to outmaneuver the adults. Four days is awfully immature. Two weeks could make a big difference.

 

[chelseachook]

As @nuthatched has mentioned, it's likely a minor injury - bruise or a strain of a tendon. But do watch the duckling and if it appears it's worsening instead of getting better, then you might need to limit its activities so the injury can rest. Epsom salt soaks may be necessary to help heal the injured tissue.

It might be wise to limit the number of adults that are in with the babies until they get old enough to know how to outmaneuver the adults. Four days is awfully immature. Two weeks could make a big difference.

I'll keep an eye on it. Thanks

 

[chelseachook]

Things have gotten much worse. Today I locked the mother and the ducklings in the pen for a rest as the duckling was very sleepy. I just went and checked on them and the duckling can't even stand up or hold its own head up. I looked closer and there is a very small cut at the base of its hip that seems dried and largely healed. I fear it's condition may be unrelated to its leg, though. It's currently lying down under its mum. I don't know if it will make it through the night

 

[chelseachook]

The duckling has passed away. I don't know what made it deteriorate so quickly. I originally had 3 ducklings, one mysteriously disappeared yesterday; I looked for it for hours. Now I am down to one duckling within four days. I don't know if my duck is inexperienced or if I'm doing something wrong.

 

[New duck mommy 2021]

The duckling has passed away. I don't know what made it deteriorate so quickly. I originally had 3 ducklings, one mysteriously disappeared yesterday; I looked for it for hours. Now I am down to one duckling within four days. I don't know if my duck is inexperienced or if I'm doing something wrong.

Im
Sorry for your losses
I personally don’t allow babies out with the adult birds till they are much bigger at least 3 weeks
Maybe try to keep mom and the last one in a section on their own where they can still see the others but not be touched.