Hi, an acquaintance of mine got her kids ducklings for Easter. They were Pekins and very healthy and adorable. She called us yesterday and asked if we could take the ducklings now that they are too old to be in the city. Hubby went over and got them, and boy was he upset when he got them home. It seems she was keeping them in canary cages all day and taking them out in the evening for a swim around the bathtub, then right back in. They didnt have enough room to stand up or move around and their belly feathers are filthy from laying in their droppings. One of them has totally lost the use of its right leg from the last joint down to the web. It is all curled and it waddles on its 'thigh' (not sure of correct term). They all are very weak in the legs and kinda just scootch around.
We put them in the young chicken pen for now with a little tykes swimming pool for their enjoyment, bathing, and therapy. As of right now, they have had to 'sessions' in the pool under supervision. (I did remove a barred rock pullet from one of the pool steps where it was 'resting' lol) They do very well in the water using their legs alot and doing all the ducky things they should do.
I have never had ducks, and we would love to rehabilitate them if possible. Does anyone have any other suggestions as to how to help them build up leg strength as well as any calcium building tips? Also, is there anything I should watch out for with the chicks and duckings together (other than possible drownings)?
Thanks In Advance for any wonderful advice.
We put them in the young chicken pen for now with a little tykes swimming pool for their enjoyment, bathing, and therapy. As of right now, they have had to 'sessions' in the pool under supervision. (I did remove a barred rock pullet from one of the pool steps where it was 'resting' lol) They do very well in the water using their legs alot and doing all the ducky things they should do.
I have never had ducks, and we would love to rehabilitate them if possible. Does anyone have any other suggestions as to how to help them build up leg strength as well as any calcium building tips? Also, is there anything I should watch out for with the chicks and duckings together (other than possible drownings)?
Thanks In Advance for any wonderful advice.