Special needs duckling

[cindyja51]

Does anyone have any suggestions on building a safe containment for a duckling who will never walk on his own? He’s tiny now and I have made him a safe home in a rubbermaid tub with rolled towels for support and puppy pads but this is short term. As he grows he will need a set up that offers bumpers and supports. He’s very healthy otherwise and this is neurological not physical. He has very spastic movements so Om trying to keep him from hurting himself. Ideas and photos welcome please!

 

[ruthhope]

Does anyone have any suggestions on building a safe containment for a duckling who will never walk on his own? He’s tiny now and I have made him a safe home in a rubbermaid tub with rolled towels for support and puppy pads but this is short term. As he grows he will need a set up that offers bumpers and supports. He’s very healthy otherwise and this is neurological not physical. He has very spastic movements so Om trying to keep him from hurting himself. Ideas and photos welcome please!

Your little fluffy is crested and crested ducks do have a higher incidence of neurological problems than other ducks do.

I have no experience of working with a duck that has spasticity. I suggest you do as your] are for now. In a week or so, you might try letting this little one swim in luke warm water in a washing up bowl or similar. Hydrotherapy is good for children with spasticity, and is generally good for ducks as the water takes their weight. Be sure to dry it off carefully after swimming for a short while.

Although the duckling is otherwise healthy at the moment, there is a risk that it will develop convulsions or other issues. Despite excellent care from you, this little one might not make it. Best to give tender loving care now so that it has a happy and loved life

 

[New duck mommy 2021]

I had a special needs duck awhile ago
My guy couldn’t walk , swim , preen. Eat or drink on his own
I had to get up every 3hours to feed and water him
I tried vet help of 700 I took him to my neck and back guy and he worked on him. Mine had physical issues of a V kink in his neck bone that would never heal he was formed like this
My torpedo was the sweetest little guy
He loved life even though he depended on me for everything
Our bond was very tight
He slept in his fuzzy warm blanket in his tote on my bed and as he grew so did his tote
I even got babysitters when I had to leave the house
Unfortunately quality of life was never going to be there and at 4 weeks I made the heartbreaking choice to have a vet put him down
I cry as I type this cause he was my little sidekick and it still breaks my heart
I tried all I could to help him
I pray your little precious baby finds ways to do what ducks need to do

 

[Miss Lydia]

Precious little one. Here is info on making a sling
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/how-to-sling-a-ducks-leg.1450307/#post-24133375
post 134 https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ury-diagnosis-slipped-tendons.1536299/page-14

 

[gimmie birdies]

I had a duck once who had one leg shorter than the other, and would rock back and forth when he would run. Then he would have to take a break from running because he would get dizzy. We called him Gump. A raccoon got him though.

 

[cindyja51]

Your little fluffy is crested and crested ducks do have a higher incidence of neurological problems than other ducks do.

I have no experience of working with a duck that has spasticity. I suggest you do as your] are for now. In a week or so, you might try letting this little one swim in luke warm water in a washing up bowl or similar. Hydrotherapy is good for children with spasticity, and is generally good for ducks as the water takes their weight. Be sure to dry it off carefully after swimming for a short while.

Although the duckling is otherwise healthy at the moment, there is a risk that it will develop convulsions or other issues. Despite excellent care from you, this little one might not make it. Best to give tender loving care now so that it has a happy and loved life

I have had him swimming since he was a few days old. I have set up a kiddie pool with grasses and plants and he loves diving and nibbling on moss and grass. I took him to a specialist and he does indeed have neuro issues that prevent his legs from moving normally. The vet was impressed that he was so ducky in every way with exception of his legs. He’s a lot of work and very challenging as he hates being alone but as long as he can have quality of life with assistance I’ll do whatever I can including getting him a duck wheelchair when he’s big enough. (i found a resource) All lives matter and this guy fought so hard to live that I don’t dare give up.

 

[ruthhope]

I have had him swimming since he was a few days old. I have set up a kiddie pool with grasses and plants and he loves diving and nibbling on moss and grass. I took him to a specialist and he does indeed have neuro issues that prevent his legs from moving normally. The vet was impressed that he was so ducky in every way with exception of his legs. He’s a lot of work and very challenging as he hates being alone but as long as he can have quality of life with assistance I’ll do whatever I can including getting him a duck wheelchair when he’s big enough. (i found a resource) All lives matter and this guy fought so hard to live that I don’t dare give up.

I'm there with you in spirit even though I can't be there in person. I would love and cherish a little life and do my best for it like you are!

 

[cindyja51]

I had a special needs duck awhile ago
My guy couldn’t walk , swim , preen. Eat or drink on his own
I had to get up every 3hours to feed and water him
I tried vet help of 700 I took him to my neck and back guy and he worked on him. Mine had physical issues of a V kink in his neck bone that would never heal he was formed like this
My torpedo was the sweetest little guy
He loved life even though he depended on me for everything
Our bond was very tight
He slept in his fuzzy warm blanket in his tote on my bed and as he grew so did his tote
I even got babysitters when I had to leave the house
Unfortunately quality of life was never going to be there and at 4 weeks I made the heartbreaking choice to have a vet put him down
I cry as I type this cause he was my little sidekick and it still breaks my heart
I tried all I could to help him
I pray your little precious baby finds ways to do what ducks need to do

Gosh that’s so sad but I’m glad you did what you could and gave him love while he was on this earth.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Hows your duckling doing today?

 

[cindyja51]

Does anyone have any suggestions on building a safe containment for a duckling who will never walk on his own? He’s tiny now and I have made him a safe home in a rubbermaid tub with rolled towels for support and puppy pads but this is short term. As he grows he will need a set up that offers bumpers and supports. He’s very healthy otherwise and this is neurological not physical. He has very spastic movements so Om trying to keep him from hurting himself. Ideas and photos welcome please!

I wanted to give an update. Tuck is great at swimming and has really strong legs. He has no other health issues but can’t stand on his own or coordinate his leg movements. At 6 weeks old I brought Tuck to a sanctuary called Here with Us Farm Sanctuary in PA, where he is now living with two other special needs ducks. I will be his sponsor and have made plans to visit at end of month. He has been there for two weeks and is doing well. He has a little wheelchair and loves his new friends.