Rescued a young Pekin today*PICTURES*

[Mom 2em All]

At least I think it is a Pekin. It is all white with a curly tail feather. Poor little boy. I answered an ad on Craigslist looking for a duck rescue- which I am not, but I am a licensed vet tech and also do some wildlife rehab. The lady said she found it on the side of the highway- bruised on its side, and the webbing is torn apart on its left foot. It is an old wound, it flaps freely so his toes look like chicken toes.

I was shocked when I went to pick it up= it is just a little bit bigger than my ducklings, but it is completely feathered. Also compared to my ducklings, it has very skinny legs. Otherwise, it looks like a small Pekin.

I was very grateful that she rescued him. he would have been raccoon/coyote/hawk/anything food by morning. ..if he would have lived that long- probably would have been run over by a passing car real quickly.

He has a slight tremor to his head- possibly neurological, and I have no idea what would have bruised him unless he was tossed from a vehicle. I dont think he would have survived being hit by a car- too small. My ducklings were hatched probably a week before Easter and they have just started to get feathers in- you can see their tail feathers now. This duck is completely feathered in, almost the same size?? Little bigger.

eta pics:

my ducklings, sold as "Pekins":

and the little rescue "Pekin":

 

[duckyfromoz]

Sounds like this little one may have been another easter throw away... Or maybe has just been a neglected duck that is older that its size woud suggest. Thats so sad... but at least now he has a good home where he will be cared for and has a good chance of a happy life. I hope the little guy is ok in time... He is so lucky that he found you to take care of him now.

 

[Mom 2em All]

Yes I am thinking he was an Easter throw-away..poor scared baby. He has no idea yet that he is safe, but in time he will.


He must have been SO scared!

I think he should still be able to swim with webbing on just one foot? I don't have a big pond anyhow- I will just have a plastic swimming pool for him.

 

[duckyfromoz]

Now seeing those pics..Is it possible that you have a cross breed??? With that many feathers..It isnt an easter throw away.. Maybe the size difference is because it is a pekin x call.. The beak looks toolong to be pure call.. What a little cutie though...

Also ...I think one of those Pekins...Isnt a pekin either..It looks to have a ring around its neck - Or is that just the photo??? Are all its new feathers growing cooming out white???

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

White Mallard?

 

[Mom 2em All]

Quote:
The one with the ring around her neck is tan or buff colored. What do you think it is? Both have very thick legs.

 

[duckyfromoz]

Not really sure... it doesnt look like a runner- but that kind of pattern is common in runners..Maybe some kind of cross..

 

[WestKnollAmy]

I was thinking it had some call duck in it, too but I am no expert on ducks. Just being feathered and small with that round head made me think call. Totally adorable and needing lots of love and treats. He doesn't look like he lacked much in nutrition but does look like life hasn't been fair recently. You have a great heart to take him in.

 

[Mom 2em All]

Do call ducks have thin legs? They may not even be thin- I am just comparing him to my chunky babies. He is small, too small to be Pekin. But his bill is big. Perhaps he is indeed a mixed duck. He so far has been very quiet. Like a stuffed duck. I hope he realizes soon that I won't hurt him.

 

[priss]

He's beautiful, I'm so glad you took him in!
Shall I go take a photo of my call duck's legs so you can compare them?
Give him extra peas from me and I will post a picture of my duck's legs in case it can be of any help.
xxxxxxx