Orange Calluses on duckling feet.

[Angbohlin]

My ducklings are about 2 weeks old and have orange calluses on their feet. I just noticed this today. Is this normal? Did I do something wrong? They are brooding inside in our bath tub with two geese. I used pine shavings for bedding and they go outside on nice days in a grass pen. We let them swim in the bath every other day. The geese’s feet do not look like this. TIA

 

[Isaac 0]

How often are you cleaning there bedding, and could you post a picture of what they are in?

 

[Angbohlin]

When I first got them it was changed completely every 3 days but each day I go in and scoop out ALL the wet from around the water all the way down to the plastic then I dump new on everything so it is fluffy. Now they they are getting bigger the process has switched to every other day. I always make sure they have fresh water and change it well over 5 times a day. During the day once it get sunny and warm about 10am they go outside in a 5x3 grass enclosure. It does not seem to cause them any pain and they appear to walk just fine as they follow me around the yard.

 

[Isaac 0]

Almost looks like Bumblefoot to me, what do you think @Miss Lydia ?

 

[Angbohlin]

I have a telehealth Appt with the vet at 10. I will update so others know what it could be if they have the same problem.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I was looking at them. Maybe they need to switch out the bedding for now. Replace with puppy pee pads or old clean towels start soaking those little feet in some warm Epsom salt water then apply neosporin or Triple antibiotic over those areas. Just take a small bowl and mix up the warm water and Epsom salt and just sit the duckling down into it just covering the feet. Hold onto said duckling so it stays put for a few minutes. A cup would work also. See if that makes a difference in a few days.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Good for you. I’d be very interested to know what that is.

 

[Isaac 0]

I would suggest a bigger brooder, especially since you have geese in there they will trample on the tiny ducklings, I'm interested to know hat the vet says.

 

[Angbohlin]

I would suggest a bigger brooder, especially since you have geese in there they will trample on the tiny ducklings, I'm interested to know hat the vet says.

The geese sprouted up overnight the other day and I just told my husband they may have to move tot he big bath or split them up? The 4 of them are very attached to each other. Even outside they follow each other around and snuggle so I was hoping not to split them up.

 

[Isaac 0]

The geese sprouted up overnight the other day and I just told my husband they may have to move tot he big bath or split them up? The 4 of them are very attached to each other. Even outside they follow each other around and snuggle so I was hoping not to split them up.

You could split there brooder with a wireframe, so they can see and hear each other, but can't touch.