Medicinal herbs for ducks

[TrishPresley]

Can ducks have echinacea and goldenseal? I'm caring for an adult female Muscovy that was attacked by snapping turtles and her injuries are starting to smell. She drinks but won't eat. I've been giving her nutridrench in her water but would love to do more for her. She is a wild duck and funds are limited so I'm not able to take her to a vet. Any ideas? Thank you so much.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

@Ravynscroft @Miss Lydia @casportpony @WVduckchick may have better ideas. I don't know much about ducks.

Can you tell us a little more:
Where are the wounds located?
Any photos?

I can't advise on herbal treatments, I don't know anything about them.

It sounds like the wounds are infected since you detect an odor. The wounds need to be cleaned out and debrided (pus/dead tissue needs to be removed, rub/scrub with a rough wash cloth to loosen dead skin/pus to get to pink tissue that bleeds slightly). Flush the wound several times a day with sterile water, saline, Chlorhexidine (Novalsan) or Betadine. Apply something like Vetericyn Spray or triple antibiotic ointment to the wounds.

This is where I get a bit lost...if I understand correctly ducks need to be able to get in water to clean their nares, groom, etc. daily(?) So....if possible having a clean pool/tub of water for her to use daily would be the best. After she is done, you need to re-flush the wounds and re-apply ointment. Keep her on clean dry bedding.

As for not eating, I don't know what would entice her so someone will have to make suggestions. I am thinking she is going off food due to infection, but could be wrong.

Treatment suggestions may help, but she may need antibiotics to help her recover.

Just my thoughts.

 

[casportpony]

Can ducks have echinacea and goldenseal? I'm caring for an adult female Muscovy that was attacked by snapping turtles and her injuries are starting to smell. She drinks but won't eat. I've been giving her nutridrench in her water but would love to do more for her. She is a wild duck and funds are limited so I'm not able to take her to a vet. Any ideas? Thank you so much.

Welcome to BYC! Can you take her to a vet? If they are starting to smell it probably means they are infected, which means they need to be properly cleaned and she should be started on antibiotics.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I could find no info on using those 2 herbs with ducks, or water fowl. I agree with casportpony a vet is needed. Or maybe a water fowl rescue they can treat her and won't cost you anything.

What have you been using on her wounds?

 

[casportpony]

Re-read your post... Since you cannot take her to a vet I suggest that you call a wildlife rescue or that you surrender her to animal control.

 

[TrishPresley]

I'm a little late responding but I got some amoxicillin G from tractor supply and started giving her daily shots for three days then a shot every other day. She is doing so much better. I've named her Hope. I don't think I'll be able to release her. It looks like she may have nerve damage because she still can't walk. She is eating great though. She flips herself around to get comfortable and preens herself quite often. It looks like I have acquired yet another disabled duck to care for.

 

[TrishPresley]

Does anyone know if there is anything that can be used for pain for ducklings?