My duckling got bit

[Kieranfitz]

Can someone please tell me if my duckling is ok, a fox attacked our flock of chickens and ducks today and two of our 8 week old ducklings were with them and one was bit and it is lying down being very quiet and has stuff coming out of its nose it’s not blood.

 

[sourland]

sorry for the circumstances. Your duckling may very well have internal injuries. Only time will tell the tale. Keep it warm and quiet as it is most likely in shock at the present time.

 

[Duckworth]

I would keep your duckling warm and in a quiet and safe place and ensure that he has clean water deep enough for him to dip his bill enough to keep his nares clear. After our girls were attacked by a raccoon a few months ago, one had significant injuries to her bill that caused her nares to become encrusted. Having the water to clear them out helped—especially while she had only one nostril open.

If you have an avian vet available, consider taking your duck. Our vet gave our injured ducks antibiotics and, for our most seriously injured, a steroid shot to help her replace red blood cells. I kept my girls in our bathtub, lined with layers of newspaper that I added to as the previous layer got wet with poop and water. That way, I didn’t have to disrupt them and traumatize them any more than necessary by taking them out for cleanup during those first days when recovery was uncertain. My girls were together in the tub at first, but when the less injured started picking on the most injured, I put a barrier across the middle of the tub to protect while keeping them together.

If you can, have another duck with your injured one, or at least within sight and hearing, since isolating a flock animal can be traumatic and this is a time to recover from the trauma of being attacked. It was winter here when my ducks were attacked, so staying outside wasn’t a good option for them in their injured condition. If you can keep your duck safe and in familiar surroundings, I would think that would be less traumatic.

I would seek and follow my vet’s advice first if a vet is an option.

 

[Texag87]

If a vet is not an option, please post pics for @Miss Lydia and @casportpony

 

[sourland]

How is the duckling today ?

 

[quackiemama]

I am hoping for some good news for your duckling

 

[Miss Lydia]

@Kieranfitz any news on your duckling?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I would keep your duckling warm and in a quiet and safe place and ensure that he has clean water deep enough for him to dip his bill enough to keep his nares clear. After our girls were attacked by a raccoon a few months ago, one had significant injuries to her bill that caused her nares to become encrusted. Having the water to clear them out helped—especially while she had only one nostril open.

If you have an avian vet available, consider taking your duck. Our vet gave our injured ducks antibiotics and, for our most seriously injured, a steroid shot to help her replace red blood cells. I kept my girls in our bathtub, lined with layers of newspaper that I added to as the previous layer got wet with poop and water. That way, I didn’t have to disrupt them and traumatize them any more than necessary by taking them out for cleanup during those first days when recovery was uncertain. My girls were together in the tub at first, but when the less injured started picking on the most injured, I put a barrier across the middle of the tub to protect while keeping them together.

If you can, have another duck with your injured one, or at least within sight and hearing, since isolating a flock animal can be traumatic and this is a time to recover from the trauma of being attacked. It was winter here when my ducks were attacked, so staying outside wasn’t a good option for them in their injured condition. If you can keep your duck safe and in familiar surroundings, I would think that would be less traumatic.

I would seek and follow my vet’s advice first if a vet is an option.

 

[Kieranfitz]

How is the duckling today ?

She’s fine but her wing and leg are drooping to the side but she still seems to eat and drink properly

 

[Kieranfitz]

I would keep your duckling warm and in a quiet and safe place and ensure that he has clean water deep enough for him to dip his bill enough to keep his nares clear. After our girls were attacked by a raccoon a few months ago, one had significant injuries to her bill that caused her nares to become encrusted. Having the water to clear them out helped—especially while she had only one nostril open.

If you have an avian vet available, consider taking your duck. Our vet gave our injured ducks antibiotics and, for our most seriously injured, a steroid shot to help her replace red blood cells. I kept my girls in our bathtub, lined with layers of newspaper that I added to as the previous layer got wet with poop and water. That way, I didn’t have to disrupt them and traumatize them any more than necessary by taking them out for cleanup during those first days when recovery was uncertain. My girls were together in the tub at first, but when the less injured started picking on the most injured, I put a barrier across the middle of the tub to protect while keeping them together.

If you can, have another duck with your injured one, or at least within sight and hearing, since isolating a flock animal can be traumatic and this is a time to recover from the trauma of being attacked. It was winter here when my ducks were attacked, so staying outside wasn’t a good option for them in their injured condition. If you can keep your duck safe and in familiar surroundings, I would think that would be less traumatic.

I would seek and follow my vet’s advice first if a vet is an option.

Alright thanks I’ll do my best