Sick drake ?? What to look for ??

[chicken5]

Today is the start of day four with Big Earl not acting right. He usually leads the girls all over the property, so that they can play in the water, and search for food. Well, he has not been doing that. He has been sitting / standing in one general area for days now. I have been taking food and water to him because he isn't going to the feeder with the girls. He's not going with them into the pond either. So, his feathers are starting to look alittle stressed. He is usually the one to break up fights between the hens, roosters, and other ducks. Now he just stands and watches. I really don't know what is going on

No real visible signs on injuries, etc. Every once in awhile he will seem to limp on one leg, but doesn't do it much. Any ideas would be appreciated......

 

[Amiga]

Can you get up close with him? I would take a close look at the foot for signs of infection (which may have gone systemic), lumps, bumps, cuts, scabs, etc. Sometimes there is even an unpleasant smell (comparatively, of course - we duck lovers understand what I mean) if there is an infection.

Meanwhile, vitamins, electrolytes. If he has signs of infection, if it is surface, like a foot problem, use a triple antibiotic and do what you can to get and keep it clean. Do a search on this forum on bumblefoot, which appears to be the term used for a number of foot ailments.

If you can use a vet's services, do. Otherwise, if the vitamins and electrolytes don't seem to make much difference, keep giving them to him, but look into getting an antibiotic like Baytril. You may be able to get a recommendation from a local agricultural extension office or similar agency.

Does he have a prolapsed penis? That can happen sometimes.

hugs for you and your buddy

 

[chicken5]

Thanks so much for things to look for with Big Earl. I'm heading out now to take another look. We love him dearly and hate to see him not acting himself There really aren't any vets in the area that work with ducks. So, I am the doctor on call