Question re: Specific Injury to Duck's Head

[The Core Four]

There is a group of four ducks ("The Core Four") that live on the lake where I have a home. The neighbors in our cove LOVE these ducks and they are pretty domesticated, as far as feeding and watching over them. (They see me and come running to me.) Peace reigned for years until these two male interlopers moved in and started mating unbelievably aggressively with two of the females. No amount of yelling or rock throwing (not with an intent to truly hurt) deterred these determined males. One of the females has sustained a head wound that looks awful. I thought maybe a tumor or growth showed up suddenly and then realized, of course, it is where these males have been grabbing her head. It looks AWFUL. Does anyone know what part of her body has basically erupted from her head (see attached pics)? She actually functions completely normally so I guess it's okay but ... well, just ... poor baby. We were able to capture these two aggressive males (who seemed to run together) and drove them to the far, far side of the lake. We released them there, unharmed, and they haven't shown back up. I am convinced that they would have ultimately killed one or both of the females as their aggressiveness seemed to be increasing. Peace has been returned to The Core Four, so I am hoping this horrible wound will heal. If you can believe it, it actually looks a bit better as the constant attacks have stopped. The wound doesn't look as "angry." What is protruding though? Thanks! Martha Johnson

 

[Jenbirdee]

There is a group of four ducks ("The Core Four") that live on the lake where I have a home. The neighbors in our cove LOVE these ducks and they are pretty domesticated, as far as feeding and watching over them. (They see me and come running to me.) Peace reigned for years until these two male interlopers moved in and started mating unbelievably aggressively with two of the females. No amount of yelling or rock throwing (not with an intent to truly hurt) deterred these determined males. One of the females has sustained a head wound that looks awful. I thought maybe a tumor or growth showed up suddenly and then realized, of course, it is where these males have been grabbing her head. It looks AWFUL. Does anyone know what part of her body has basically erupted from her head (see attached pics)? She actually functions completely normally so I guess it's okay but ... well, just ... poor baby. We were able to capture these two aggressive males (who seemed to run together) and drove them to the far, far side of the lake. We released them there, unharmed, and they haven't shown back up. I am convinced that they would have ultimately killed one or both of the females as their aggressiveness seemed to be increasing. Peace has been returned to The Core Four, so I am hoping this horrible wound will heal. If you can believe it, it actually looks a bit better as the constant attacks have stopped. The wound doesn't look as "angry." What is protruding though? Thanks! Martha Johnson

Well, that’s interesting. I’m glad she’s healing up. I don’t know if you ever catch these girls and handle them really you can put some Neosporin on it or other antibacterial ointmentbut use the kind that does not include pain relief. Let me tag a couple other duck people here and also let you know. We do have a duck forum. You can post about the Ducks in there too. @KathiQuacks @ruthhope
Welcome to BYC!

 

[The Core Four]

Thanks for your reply. These are wild lake ducks although they sure do know me and will come eat out of a cup in my hand (especially for this one, Moe - short for her little mohawk!), but I don't think I would be successful in actually handling her, certainly not enough to put on ointment. Like I said, she behaves like she is "no worse for the wear" so I am hoping this is just simply unsightly and won't affect her quality of life. I'm wondering what part of her anatomy is actually protruding. Maybe it will reduce in size over time now that the "sexual assaults" (!) have stopped. It just breaks my heart for her.

 

[BoundlessLove]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens!
Thank you for caring for them!!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Crested birds sometimes have skin flaps that produce a base for the crests. Looks as if the drakes denuded and injured one. It now appears to be healing. It will be essential to keep the drakes away from her.

 

[N F C]

Hi, thanks for looking after the welfare of the ducks. I have no experience with them, but if you have additional questions, you can post on this forum: Ducks

Best wishes!

 

[The Core Four]

Welcome to BYC. Crested birds sometimes have skin flaps that produce a base for the crests. Looks as if the drakes denuded and injured one. It now appears to be healing. It will be essential to keep the drakes away from her.

I'm trying to figure out how these threads work. I think you were replying to my post (thanks!). It does look better since we relocated the aggressive ducks. Ever since the relocation, the entire group is back to peacefully co-existing, so I'm thinking/hopeful it is just a period of healing that has to occur. I had no clue how aggressive some ducks can be in mating. Ugh!

 

[C Siena]

Greetings & Salutations. Welcome Martha.

Thank you for caring for the ducks and getting the drakes away. Keep a watch out for them.

This is a wonderful site on which to Learn and enjoy. We are pleased to have you in the community.

 

[GodLovesU]

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Thanks for looking out for her.