My duck has a hurt leg

[Rainbow1036]

My mallard duck was fine earlier today, he has a habit of chasing me whenever I come into our backyard but just a few minutes ago I went into my backyard and he didn't run out of the creek to come get me and I thought that was strange. I coaxed him out of the water and he took a few limping steps then collapsed. After a few minutes he stood up only on his left foot with his right foot tucked away under the feathers, however he left his webbed foot still hanging out, usually he totally puts his foot away when he stands on one foot. He then tried flapping and in the process put weigh back on the right foot and then collapsed again. I picked him up and put him back into his pen, got him fresh food and water, and closed the door so that he cant walk around too much. We do have several holes in our yard that he sometimes trips over, could this be what hurt him? also do you think his leg or foot is broken or just sprained? how would you tell? Anything I can do to help him? Idk of any duck vets in my area and I'm worried.

Thanks for any help

 

[Amiga]

Can you take a close look at the foot and the leg? Can you hold him upright to see if he can make that swimming motion they often make when being held aloft?

Could be: something bit or grabbed him (animal or inanimate), sprain, pulled muscle or similar, sting, infected wound

So finding out if possible where it hurts will help.

Is the foot warm? Is the leg warm?

You are doing well by him so far. There are many experienced duck lovers here, so let's see if we can sort it out. Do you have vitamins and electrolytes for a nutritional boost?

 

[Rainbow1036]

Thanks for the reply.

I went to his pen and picked him up, he made the swimming motion although with less motion in the injured leg (and when he was in the creek earlier he seemed to be able to swim fine), I then had my mom compare the temperature of the two feet and she said that both the foot and legs both feel the same temperature. I don't see any swelling or any obvious sings of damage to the leg other than maybe a bit of discoloration around his joint just below were his leg meets the feathers, but that may just be a normal color for that leg, I've never looked at his legs closely before. I don't have any vitamins or electrolytes that I know of that could be used for ducks.

I'm hoping he's going to be OK, this is my 1st and only duck and he's my baby (I found an egg in my yard and using a desk lamp hatched him last august)

 

[Amiga]

Wow!

I understand about him being your baby. When Vier had a limp, my heart just sank to the ground. She's okay now, thank the Lord.

So, about your little one - may be a pull or a bruise. Some pampering and close attention will probably do some good for both of you. You could try a warm compress with epsom salts water (don't let him nibble it). I use comfrey leaves on injuries, so if you have any of that to make a compress with, you could try it (it worked wonders on my sprained ankle last week, and I don't see why it would not work on a duck).

Storey's Guide recommends rest in a clean, dry place with plenty of fresh water and good food. Hey, I like the sound of that for myself!

Take care, and please give us an update tomorrow.

 

[Rainbow1036]

After calling around some I found a vet who many years ago worked on a few ducks. She looked at my duck and felt his leg and told me its just sprained and to let my duck rest for a few days and he should be good as new!

 

[Amiga]

 

[WinstonTweezers]

he isnt doing anything hes just sleeping the others are walking on him heas not drinking hes not eating i think hes going to die