Poor duck. :(

[desertdarlene]

A couple of weeks ago, in the very early morning, a duck was attacked and there was a huge clump of down and some white feathers all over the place. I did see this duck the next day, but couldn't get a good look at him until today. He hides his "bad side" very well, probably to mask that he's vulnerable.

I think he's one of this year's ducklings, perhaps Flycatcher's brother (the same one with the impacted crop problem) or Ducky's friend's brother (who had just gotten healed from having fishing line all over his leg for a long time).

My question is will his feathers grow back soon, or will he have to wait another 9 months or so to molt into eclipse? Do you think his wing may be permanently damaged?

I saw no blood or anything the next day, though there seemed to be a small amount of skin on the clump of down. And, he's moving around completely normally.

Today, other than being cautious, he seemed really happy and acted normally.

 

[KansasKid]

It look as if ALL his flight feathers are gone! they might not re-grow at all but if they do it will be later in the year after he molts, but that wing looks pretty tore up so i'm not sure.

 

[desertdarlene]

I'll keep an eye on him. Since he's a wild duck and not in need of emergency care, I don't know what could be done for him, otherwise. He's adapting well, but he's still extremely vulnerable. I guess that's nature. It's sad because he's a nice ducky.

I don't know what did this, but I suspect a stray dog or coyote.

 

[KansasKid]

Poor thing, hopefully it will heal and he'll be able to fly around come summer

 

[desertdarlene]

I e-mailed a photo of him to someone who does duck rescues, I don't know if she can help. I have a feeling that if it's not a critical emergency and he's able to get around and eat, drink, etc, the wildlife people will not take him. We do have ducks that are unable to fly that have lived there for at least a couple of years. He just needs to keep away from predators. At least it doesn't look like any broken bones are involved.

 

[KansasKid]

Wild ducks are master minds when it comes to hiding injury's witch helps them not be singled out in the wild, and what you have said so far i think he will be fine.

 

[desertdarlene]

Thanks! He seems more of himself today and I think even went up to people to get fed.

The morning after it happened, he was really nervous and scared to come too much onshore, that's why I didn't get a good look at it the first time around.

 

[duckyfromoz]

He is stunning!!! And also so lucky to be still wandering around after the attack. His wing does look pretty bad. Does it always hang down like that? It may have been broken and healed out of place.

 

[desertdarlene]

Quote:
No, I think that was from the attack. I was there the day before and everyone was fine. The next day, there were a few white feathers and a huge clump of down/feathers in this one area. I saw him that day and I couldn't get a good look at him, but it only looked like he lost some feathers around his leg. Yesterday was the first day I was able to get close enough to get a good look and a photo. I don't think it's started healing, yet. I was surprised there was no blood at all, not even at the attack site.

 

[Birdcrazy]

He's beautiful, poor boy. Hope he's not too damaged and he hides well enough to heal and hopefully fly again

He's so lucky to have caring people around! You do a good job desertdarlene!