Sick ducks? Help! Newbie!

[Trefoil]

PrayingM-drawing salve (ichthammol 20%) works, best if covered. An old wives remedy says a slice of tomato ( also covered) will draw out the thorn & infection.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I'm in Western NC

Honestly with all the natural rocks we have living in the mountains I am amazed I haven't seen more foot problems, and very thankful I haven't. I use the ichthammol on my flock and myself actually good stuff. Where do you think they are picking up these thorns? we have those wild roses that have very thick thorns and I have tried to eradicate them out of the main fenced in part of our property but I have to keep watch because they can come back pretty fast and have roots to China.
Hopefully the Vet will take care of this and won't charge much.

Keep us updated please.

http://www.healing-from-home-remedies.com/make-a-poultice.html
http://vetericyn.com/
https://sites.google.com/a/poultrypedia.com/poultrypedia/
https://sites.google.com/a/larsencreek.com/chicken-orthopedics/medicine-chart

http://www.majesticwaterfowl.org/diagnostic chart.htm
just a few things I have book marked.

 

[Amiga]

PrayingMantis: I need to find a website that list all first aid meds safe for ducks and a list of safe prescription medications as I know some human meds can be given. I need a drug dosage guide too. Lastly, I was thinking of old remedies my grandmother used on herself or the family to draw out infections, pine resin. Where can I get it and how can I make it myself? I'm sure it's safe for ducks. Where can I find the mentioned info? I think I need to become a pharmacist/alternative medicine self designated specialist. But honestly, I think I would greatly benefit from visiting other duck folks to see how their coop and enclosures or yard looks like. Even examine their ducks just to see what's normal and not. Any volunteers? I'm in VA.

Amiga: I have not found that site yet, I collect information as I come across it here and elsewhere. I did just find this https://sites.google.com/a/poultrypedia.com/poultrypedia/medicine-chart and they have in important note, that there may be some things safe for chickens but not for ducks. What I have read indicates that especially when a medication is administered through drinking water, a general rule of thumb is to cut dosage in half because ducks drink so much more than chickens.

There is a poultry supply company that has published a chart of medicines, their indications and dosages. Twin Cities, I think.

There is a textbook, Veterinary Herbal Medicine. It is not a quick guide, but does contain some helpful information. It is not specifically for waterfowl.

Pine resin can be found oozing from cuts on the trunks of pine trees. There may be an online source for it.

Many of us have collected bits of information along the way and we aim to share it here. When I find something particularly helpful to me, I keep a copy of it. Much can be found in the archive. And some days I have a hard time finding exactly what I need. So I start a thread.

I am up here in New England, so I won't be much help with a visit - though PM me if you will be traveling up here, I love to talk ducks and introduce people to the flock.

 

[PrayingMantis]

Update and pic. Went to vet office and was told he would see ducks as a follow up-re check no charge, only they played dirty when I declined the anti inflammatory med so then the recheck fee turned into "we said only for 1 duck" if you live on northern va stay away from this money hungry vet. Also he said he didn't think the 2 other ducks had a thorn in them. Ha! The tech came back and said I was right and they got it out. As for Lily, he just stuck a needle in her foot and said he couldn't get anything and suggested tetracycline from the tsc. Didn't give further info! So Lily's foot is still very inflamed but not limping, not red. What to do? Here is a pic. Suggestions welcome!

 

[PrayingMantis]

Can't seem to upload pics!

 

[Amiga]

I wonder if a potato bandage might draw it out?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Can't seem to upload pics!

Have you seen this? https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/inserting-pics-in-on-the-new-byc

 

[PrayingMantis]

Yep I know how but it's not letting me from my mobile phone!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yep I know how but it's not letting me from my mobile phone!

Bummer, did you look at the link I gave you on making poultices ?

 

[PrayingMantis]

Hello!
With the snow and negative degree temps here in VA I wanted to know how long I can keep my ducks outside. They are khakis, welsh harlequins, and a 4 month old runner. I know they will be warm but I am more concerned about their feet/legs. One still has a scab from the thorn I removed some time ago as well. The snow is deep, they stay on the shoveled sidewalk that is now ice. Last time we saw these temps I put staw down on the sidewalk but I think it was still too cold on their feet as they kept laying down. Also, what is a safe temp to keep in their coop at night? At what temp do I turn on the heat lamp? It may be me but I think my runner might be less cold tolerant compared to the other gals. Am I correct?