Raccoon attack...help with injuries

[FlightsofFancy]

Last night something got into the duck pen and slaughtered most of the flock of 12 ducklings. We think it might have been a raccoon. Right now we are giving electrolites and will add antibiotics to water as soon as we get to the feed store.
So our questions are:
*What should we use to clean the survivors wounds?
*Can ducks pass on Rabies?

 

[PunkinPeep]

i don't know about ducks, so i can only tell you about chickens. we used a sterile saline solution to clean the wound every day. a lot of people use a betadine solution - but not peroxide.

most people here will suggest an injectable antibiotic for injuries instead of antibiotics in the water.
you can probably buy injectable penicillin at the feed store.

be sure to trim back the feathers so that you can be sure that you are seeing the whole extent of the injuries and to make sure the feathers aren't recontaminating the wounds when you clean them.

i know others here will have lots more suggestions. i'm just passing on the little i've read and some experience. the feather thing is really important.

 

[KWAK]

only mammals can get rabbies srry bout the ducks

 

[Country4ever]

I'm so sorry for your loss!
Peroxide is okay for the first cleaning, but I've heard its too hard on new cells after that.
Also, if you use betadine (which is good), make a "tea" out of it, instead of using it full strength. It can damage new cells too. I would put just a couple drops in a cup of water (or sterile saline) and sponge off the wounds. Then cover them with antibiotic ointment. I use the triple antibiotic ointment. At the beginning, I would probably clean the wound and put new ointment on every day or 2. Then you could do it less often, if the wound doesn't appear infected.
Again, so sorry for your loss!
About the rabies........I would wear those latex gloves while doing some of the initial wound treatment, just to protect yourself if you have any cuts in your hands.

 

[FlightsofFancy]

Quote:
GREAT IDEA!