scalped duckling :(

[chickens really]

Yes, the drakes are really hard on Ruby every spring (none of the four other girls, just her), so until her head heals I keep her separate in the pen, so when the baby hatched they were already segregated. The baby could slip under/around the fencing though, and did frequently. I had left it untied the last few days since they had all been going out in the yard for hours at a time together, and I kinda figured if the baby was gonna go all over the pen it was probably better that Momma could follow. The only reaction the others had given to it so far ranged from running scared to total indifference, lol, so I didn't really think about them being a threat, I guess. :/

Definitely a threat....

 

[cymbaline]

I have had a dog with an open wound and exposed bone and tendon. The vet recommended and used honey on the wound. This is something that is used with large wounds and burns where it cannot simply be stitched together. It does many things (feel free to do your own research) but in a nutshell it creates an environment that promotes healthy tissue growth and prevents bad bacteria growth as well as keep things from drying out/dying off. Non-stick gauze pad coated with a layer of honey, applied to the wound and bandaged in place. Change daily. Bandage changes can get less frequent as the wound and/or any infection shrinks. I believe if the bone starts to turn brown that's a bad sign that the bone is dying (if I remember right). Everything else you are doing is great, keep it safe and separate from the others, nutridrench, food, water, etc. Good luck with whatever course of treatment you decide. I'm glad the little guy has someone to take care of him.

One more thing. If you are bandaging the wound at all, and the bandage gets wet, it needs to be changed. I know things have a tendency to get wet with ducklings and keeping a wet duck water bandage on a wound is asking for infection. Ducks have a way of making things a bit more complicated

I've heard of folks using honey, even on human wounds too. I don't really think this can be bandaged at all, being from eye to eye like that. If there was any way to even keep gauze on it, I doubt he/she would tolerate that at all...I imagine it would be really annoying and maybe even scary to the baby.

 

[cymbaline]

One thing that does concern me, and I might be overreacting, is it's breathing with its bill slightly opened a lot of the time, and seems like its breathing is a little labored? Is just a pain/stress thing, so normal and not worrisome, given the circumstances?

 

[Lil Drake40]

Possibly just keep an eye on things. Your giving the lil one some nutri drench? And it’s eating and drinking good?

 

[cymbaline]

Possibly just keep an eye on things. Your giving the lil one some nutri drench? And it’s eating and drinking good?

Yep, still eating and drinking and pooping all over, lol. Not sure if I should give regular water for nasal rinsing in addition to the nutri-drench water... maybe just another little swim tonight before bed.

 

[Lil Drake40]

I don’t think it matters when I put ND in the water buckets they wash their faces in it Sounds great the eating drinking and pooping

 

[Miss Lydia]

How's the little one doing this morning?

 

[cymbaline]

How's the little one doing this morning?

Still doing great. Had a fun swim in my bathtub last night, then explored the bathroom and living room, hid under my couch, lol...if you couldn't see its head you'd never know there was anything wrong with this precious baby. I'm amazed.

 

[Miss Lydia]

That is so cool, they really are amazing how they can heal from things. Sounds like you are enjoying her.

 

[cymbaline]

Baby is still doing fine. Wonder how long until the skin starts to grow back (assuming it does)? I think it's getting lonely, even with the mirror and stuffed bunny and me, but I'm afraid to let it outside to get all muddy, or worse.