Muscovy duckling has a foot problem

[SoManyDucks]

Hi all, I've looked through a few forums and blogs but haven't landed on anything that matches this little guys' problem. It hatched last week under its mom (these are Muscovy) and has been rearing with her as well. I noticed today that his left foot isn't spread out correctly and upon closer inspection it looks like the webbing between the inner toes has fused together and is making the toes curl inwards. It didn't hatch like this, so I think it must have happened in the last 36 to 48 hrs. Anyone have any thoughts? Fixes? It's limping pretty significantly. Thanks!

 

[Ren2014]

Can you post a picture? Do the toes uncurl when you manipulate them? You can make a little splint like bootie out of a pipe cleaner and tape his foot to it. I'll see if I can find a picture of one for you.

 

[Ren2014]

like this:

wrap it to it's foot with Vet wrap

 

[SoManyDucks]

Can you post a picture? Do the toes uncurl when you manipulate them? You can make a little splint like bootie out of a pipe cleaner and tape his foot to it. I'll see if I can find a picture of one for you.

The toes could uncurl, but somehow the webbing got folded and fused. When I manipulate them it doesn't react in pain but the skin will only stretch so far... I tried uncurling them and splinting last night and there's a stretch of skin thats holding the toes where they're at

 

[Ren2014]

Goodness. Are you sure that duckling is just a week old? It looks like an injury that didn't heal right. Is it doing that between both does? If it's not an old scabby like wound that you can soak in Epsom salt to loosen it up, you might need to cut it like this picture to release the two so they can function. This duck was attacked by a turtle and after it healed, it got a long just fine. Of course if you cut it you will need to sterilize, control the bleeding, soak, etc.

 

[SoManyDucks]

Ha, it's growing so fast that if hadn't watched it hatch, I wouldn't have believed it! Unfortunately there's no scab at all. I'll think on doing a little cut. luckily it's a very small flap that's holding it down. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[Ren2014]

They do grow fast, lol. Good luck. Keep us posted if you can.