Pretty sure a raccoon tried to eat my duck through enclosure (graphic)

[malia]

Everyone, I just wanted to say I really do appreciate all of your input and the encouragement. I needed it. I hate to see anything suffer and hate second guessing if I'm doing the right thing. Again, can't thank you all enough.

 

[keesmom]

This happened to a chicken, not a duck, but hopefully it will bring you some hope,

Two summers ago a raccoon scared some hens out of the coop one night into their run. It grabbed one unfortunate EE hen through the fence. Poor girl had one wing completely chewed off. There were bite marks all along her side, and had half her thigh eaten off as well. She couldn't walk, could barely move and I thought it was time to put her down.

However she was still interested in eating and drinking so I gave her a chance. She had a hatchmate that was broody at the time so after I cleaned her up I set her next to her friend with food and water. It took a long time but she eventually did heal. I can't believe she managed to survive such severe injuries. She can't grow the wing back, but she can run around just fine with everyone else. She even started laying again the following summer. So give your duck a chance. They have a surprising resilience.

We did secure the run after this incident, as well as trapping and eliminating that particular raccoon too.

 

[malia]

Took this just now. I'm happy with the way it looks, considering. No foul smell. She is actually more spirited. Was not shivering. Wish I could attach the video of her bathing right now. Tonight is the first time I actually feel truly hopeful. Will let her bathe for a bit longer and then will towel dry and air dry. Will feed and give antibiotics then wound care.

 

[buff goose guy]

Took this just now. I'm happy with the way it looks, considering. No foul smell. She is actually more spirited. Was not shivering. Wish I could attach the video of her bathing right now. Tonight is the first time I actually feel truly hopeful. Will let her bathe for a bit longer and then will towel dry and air dry. Will feed and give antibiotics then wound care.

No puffy redness

good sign !!

 

[malia]

Well apparently I was so focused on wing I failed to see decent size, deep tear to her chest till just now. I was unintentionally treating area however bc I thought some feathers had been plucked. Poor girl.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Well apparently I was so focused on wing I failed to see decent size, deep tear to her chest till just now. I was unintentionally treating area however bc I thought some feathers had been plucked. Poor girl.

How bad is this wound? Can't tell by pic. Sounds like she is working on healing and the wing wound looks very clean.

 

[malia]

It's about 1-1 1/2" in length, not sure how deep it is though. Truth is, yes I am a nurse, but when it comes to my animals, I get a little squeamish. I have been using the pressure from spray bottle to debride all of the wounds. I set bottle in between a spray and stream. Seems to do a pretty good job I think.

 

[malia]

Oh, and I was also wondering if I should continue to wrap her wing to her body? Last night, I just dressed it and did not wrap. I don't think it's helping anything except it looks like it would be more comfortable for her.

 

[buff goose guy]

Oh, and I was also wondering if I should continue to wrap her wing to her body? Last night, I just dressed it and did not wrap. I don't think it's helping anything except it looks like it would be more comfortable for her.

yeah you could just wrap her wing and not the whole thing, it should probably be more comfortable that way. As for the gash, do the same treating with vetercine and neosporin, but i wouldnt bandage it unless it starts to look bad.

 

[Miss Lydia]

yeah you could just wrap her wing and not the whole thing, it should probably be more comfortable that way. As for the gash, do the same treating with vetercine and neosporin, but i wouldnt bandage it unless it starts to look bad.

Oh, and I was also wondering if I should continue to wrap her wing to her body? Last night, I just dressed it and did not wrap. I don't think it's helping anything except it looks like it would be more comfortable for her.

Since your a nurse is it better to leave a wound open and clean than wrapping is air getting to it better?