Taking a poorly duck out of the flock...

[Team PJ]

Hello,

So we've been monitoring one of our ducks (Babs) with bumblefoot for the last couple of weeks. She had a bad hobble, eventually not really using the foot. We were treating her with daily Epsom salt soaks, spraying with an antiseptic spray but keeping her in with the flock as she was keen to keep up with them & was happily eating/drinking.

It's now snowed 2 days ago, and we noticed she was leaving blood behind on the snow. On closer inspection her outside toes are bleeding and the skin on her feet is peeling/flaking away. So we've brought her into our porch, in a cage with fresh straw bedding, water with cider vinegar in & food & a bit of peace and quiet.

My question is, will she be okay separated from the flock? Since she's been inside she's been really quiet, just sitting in the corner and making a rasping open beaked noise if we get closer than she likes. She's eating... not drinking that much.

I've seen info about not keeping ducks as solitary pets, and that they're really sociable. We'll be regularly checking whether the feet are improving and plan to put her back with the others asap.

Any thoughts or useful advice would be great

 

[Miss Lydia]

can you post some pictures of her bumble and feet in general? Best way to give you advise on what to do. Most bumble doesn't just go away with soaks and spray it needs to have the kernel removed which is the infection. So posting pics can help us help you. What your doing is fine but to get this over and done is going to take more work.

Separating her especially to treat is a good idea. If you can somehow attach a mirror to her crate so she can see herself that may help or if you have room maybe switch buddies out with her to give her some company?

 

[chickens really]

Hello..She might need antibiotics to fight off infection.

 

[Team PJ]

can you post some pictures of her bumble and feet in general? Best way to give you advise on what to do. Most bumble doesn't just go away with soaks and spray it needs to have the kernel removed which is the infection. So posting pics can help us help you. What your doing is fine but to get this over and done is going to take more work.

Separating her especially to treat is a good idea. If you can somehow attach a mirror to her crate so she can see herself that may help or if you have room maybe switch buddies out with her to give her some company?

I did wonder about putting one of the others in there... there is room.

I thought someone might ask about a picture... we're going to have her out for a look tomorrow. I'll try and get a pic or two.

Thanks

 

[Miss Lydia]

Your welcome, look forward to pics.

 

[Team PJ]

Right!

Progress report... finally with a pictures. She's not happy with handling, or being housebound so we seem to clean her out as quickly as possible, clean up the feet and get her back in the cage asap... only to realise afterwards we've forgotten to take a picture again!

After we'd been treating with Epsom salts/antibacterial livestock spray (hence the purple) for about 2 weeks...

Then today after being indoors for 2 weeks...

We took the advice of swapping a buddy in and out after it was suggested, so the flock are taking it in turns... 2 days at a time. Which has worked really well, she seemed much more settled, and it's really cute to see the relationships/status in the flock emerging and their individual little characteristics show through a little more. It's also helped us work out whose laying and who isn't! So thanks for that advice!

The peeling & bumble foot is healing up really well! We've been keeping the bedding dry, and sprinkling some Actisan powder on it:

https://uk.timacagro.com/categorie-produit/our-solutions?produit=4542&aff=4&parent=25

Not sure whether it's increased the rate of healing or not... I think keeping the foot dry and giving her an epsom salt soak once every two days has really helped with the flaking skin & general healing.

As for the bumble, we noticed it had shrunk somewhat and that there was a little nodule on top, so we took that off and managed to gently squeeze out the gunk inside. I think we're winning!

I'm really chuffed because we mentioned the duck to the vet when we took the dog in for his medication and the vet basically told us the duck was a goner. Which is what you want to hear!

Thanks for the advice if anyone has any other thoughts about it... please let me know!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I'd say your sure on the right track with what your doing. Wonderful it has worked out for her to have her flock come and spend time with her. Bumble foot sure isn't an over night cure but if one treats and waits and get that core out it can heal. You all have done an awesome work there taking care of her. Thanks so much for updating. and for the pics too.