scalped duckling :(

[cymbaline]

When you put them together, did you watch them for awhile? Usually if there's going to be aggression, it's within the first 5 - 10 minutes. She's looking really good. In time, the skin may stretch enough to make the eyes look more normal. Even if it doesn't, she's learned to cope with it, so she should be fine.

No, honestly, I didn't really. It was late, I was getting everyone in for the night, and they had spent probably 8 hours out together that day, plus so many other evenings, that I figured if it was just with Ruby it'd be okay (I wasn't about to leave her out with everyone, lol). The next morning I did catch her "nipping" at her a few times, not actually making contact usually, but making her jump and run away.
I'm mostly just worried that her eyes will be prone to injury since all that tender flesh is exposed all the time. She can bring her bottom lid up and cover the actual eyeball, but everything above is always open.

 

[cymbaline]

Wow, what a fun read this thread has been. Read from the beginning, so seeing the progress pics all at once was fun!!
She's a beauty. You've done a great job.

Thanks! I wanted something for other folks in the same situation, because when I searched I didn't see anything that really showed how it all turned out.

 

[cymbaline]

Hahaha what a mess! Good fun. Glad shes still okay

Ohhhhh, such a mess! I had her partially hosed off when she decided to stretch and flap her wings - slung muddy water from the ceiling to the baseboards, wall-to-wall...I had to wipe down the whole bathroom.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I absolutely love this pic. Should have named her Pig pen.

 

[chickens really]

If you don't keep the injury wet it will turn into a scab like with any other animal and heal on its own.

 

[cymbaline]

If you don't keep the injury wet it will turn into a scab like with any other animal and heal on its own.

I was trying to keep ointment on it daily to keep it from getting too tight as it healed but I'm starting to think I just need to leave it alone for a while - I don't think it's helping.

 

[chickens really]

I was trying to keep ointment on it daily to keep it from getting too tight as it healed but I'm starting to think I just need to leave it alone for a while - I don't think it's helping.

Definitely if it's kept moist it won't heal. Your prolonging the healing process. Let it scab over..

 

[WVduckchick]

Thanks! I wanted something for other folks in the same situation, because when I searched I didn't see anything that really showed how it all turned out.

That happens a lot around here. We get new folks that come on asking for assistance, but won’t come back later with updates. I hate it when that happens.

I would be inclined to stop the ointment now also. Especially when she is inside. Let it get some fresh air to heal. The ointment is good to ward off infections, but it can hamper the natural healing. (Had a big conversation about this with my husband’s doctor when discussing dressing his hernia incision)
Also, FYI, the pain relief kind is fine. There isn’t enough pain meds in that stuff to cause any problems. That myth has been bunked many times, but the fear is still quite active. Lol

Pig Pen is a good one @Miss Lydia

 

[getaclue]

The next step is to get it to realize it's a duck. It's so spoiled, it thinks it's part of your family.

 

[shawluvsbirds]

Lol
Well, they have all been getting along well out in the yard, so I tried putting her out in the pen last weekend, sectioned off with just her momma. She ended up covered in more mud than I could've imagined.
View attachment 1551128 I'm not sure if Ruby was messing with her and making her get so dirty or if she just doesn't know how to stay clean(er), lol. So she's back inside again for now.
View attachment 1551135
Her head still has a bit of scab on it, and her eyelids are still pulled, but I'm pretty sure there are feathers creeping in from the back, so that's good.

How precious