Quick Egg Question

[AzDuck]

Hi BYC

My ducks are going to start laying any time now, and currently I am treating them for mild bumblefoot. Obviously they do not like being picked up for us to slather ointment on their feet, and although they’re getting better about it, they still freak out a bit.

My question is, can this be harmful to them? We are as gentle as we can be, but y’all know ducks, sometimes they can really struggle trying to get away. We always treat them in the evening (so hopefully not around laying time), but I’m just worried it could be harmful to them when they begin to lay. Sorry if this is a dumb question, but this is my first time having ducks, and I love them so much. Thank you all!

 

[nchls school]

Your question is far from being dumb. When I catch mine I try to do so in a manner that restrains their wings. The other day I used a net that had a close weave. It worked pretty good in keeping the duck from struggling. I would not recommend using a net with larger openings in the mesh as the birds get tangled up in it.

 

[3bird]

Just a note that if you do treat the bumblefoot with antibiotics, you will not want to consume those eggs or feed them back to the flock.

 

[AzDuck]

Your question is far from being dumb. When I catch mine I try to do so in a manner that restrains their wings. The other day I used a net that had a close weave. It worked pretty good in keeping the duck from struggling. I would not recommend using a net with larger openings in the mesh as the birds get tangled up in it.

We do a pretty good job holding their wings down (I think), but a tightly knit net is a really good idea and may save us some struggle. Thank you!

 

[AzDuck]

Just a note that if you do treat the bumblefoot with antibiotics, you will not want to consume those eggs or feed them back to the flock.

Thank you! Is this also true for bacitracin ointment on their feet? I haven’t given them any oral antibiotics.

 

[Ratchnick]

Thank you! Is this also true for bacitracin ointment on their feet? I haven’t given them any oral antibiotics.

I dont think so.

 

[Isaac 0]

Thank you! Is this also true for bacitracin ointment on their feet? I haven’t given them any oral antibiotics.

Nope.

 

[AzDuck]

@Ratchnick & @Isaac 0

thank you both!

 

[3bird]

Thank you! Is this also true for bacitracin ointment on their feet? I haven’t given them any oral antibiotics.

Nope! Just internal meds that can make it into the eggs. Bacitracin is fine.