Saved some ducks, have a few questions.

[Miss Lydia]

I would guess in the pic they are around 4 weeks. How long have you had them now?

X2 so precious

 

[Miss Lydia]

Would Bag Balm work for his beak?

Yep I have it too. lol

 

[DemonicFowl]

Great Pyrenees/German Shepherd/Husky mix, and English Mastiff/German Shepherd mix, plus a Dachshund that doesn't seem to care the ducks exist in the house.

I saw German shepard and I'm like "we meet again" but only because the breeder next door can't keep them in her own fudging yard... then I saw husky... the husky German shepard, if anything would pose the most threat to the ducks. Then again depends on the dogs personality. I've had a mastiff mutt, acted like a puppy all his life except when he was chained. Then he was on guard "duty".

BUT if you're serious about keeping the ducks I would make a 6 sided movable pen. Build a housing box and permanently attach the pen to the housing box and put mesh wire on the top, sides and bottom, yes bottom, of the pen. Then make a hatch to open the back of the housing to clean/collect. and... wheels. Don't know how big they will get so I can't put an offer on the spacing.

 

[caring4birds]

I saw German shepard and I'm like "we meet again" but only because the breeder next door can't keep them in her own fudging yard... then I saw husky... the husky German shepard, if anything would pose the most threat to the ducks. Then again depends on the dogs personality. I've had a mastiff mutt, acted like a puppy all his life except when he was chained. Then he was on guard "duty".

BUT if you're serious about keeping the ducks I would make a 6 sided movable pen. Build a housing box and permanently attach the pen to the housing box and put mesh wire on the top, sides and bottom, yes bottom, of the pen. Then make a hatch to open the back of the housing to clean/collect. and... wheels. Don't know how big they will get so I can't put an offer on the spacing.

The Pyr/GSD/Husky has caught wild ducks that have flown into our yard over the years, so I don't trust him for two seconds, and I'm afraid they'd get tormented through the fence. They both have killed Nutria, and they managed to take down an adult Raccoon. It makes me sad, but I can't keep the wildlife out of our yard, only my dogs in.

We have a big low to the ground playhouse the kids don't use anymore. I'm envisioning hooking a dog run to the front of that so they can get in and out, and putting a top on it.

 

[caring4birds]

But it may be pointless to think about, and probably best to not keep them. I'd be so upset if something happened.

I may have found a home for them this morning anyway. A girl that took an Indian Runner that was dumped here a while back. She has the Runner, a Rouen, and a Pekin. She can take them in three weeks if it works out, which gives the crested more time to heal too. But more time for us to get attached :-(

 

[DemonicFowl]

But it may be pointless to think about, and probably best to not keep them. I'd be so upset if something happened.

I may have found a home for them this morning anyway. A girl that took an Indian Runner that was dumped here a while back. She has the Runner, a Rouen, and a Pekin. She can take them in three weeks if it works out, which gives the crested more time to heal too. But more time for us to get attached :-(

Yah that's true... It can be hard to let go but knowing they are going to someone who will keep them safe... can be worth it.

Not to be that person or anything, but perhaps when the dogs... you know...then you can have a flock.

 

[caring4birds]

Yah that's true... It can be hard to let go but knowing they are going to someone who will keep them safe... can be worth it.

Not to be that person or anything, but perhaps when the dogs... you know...then you can have a flock.

No, I've already been that person. The dogs are 8 and 9 years old. I've told my daughter...after they go, and we know ducks would be safe. We'll see if she's still interested when that time comes.

 

[caring4birds]

The crested seems to have regressed dramatically today :-( His neck is twisted and he can't keep his balance. He's still eating and drinking, and taking his vitamins.

I'm now beginning to worry this isn't wry neck and may be an injury. Perhaps a brain injury?

This is so sad. He's been doing so well! I don't want to lose this guy.

I'd like to get him on prednisone along with the vitamins, but I have no idea where to get it.

 

[caring4birds]

I spent the morning calling around for a vet to see him, and the only one I found is over an hour away.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I spent the morning calling around for a vet to see him, and the only one I found is over an hour away.

Do you plan on taking him to the vet? I'm thinking the only way your going to get pred. is to take him or ask around if anyone you know may have some. Did you read about Qwackers? I gave you the link she put him on pred along with other things and he finally came through. Hopefully your lil one will too.