The Ugly Duckling

[Emi McMail]

I feel like I have a special responsibility to one of my hatchlings, who came out of the shell with a deformed leg. It's too old (we thought it might straighten out on it's own) to try and splint it. Unfortunately this little guy, although lively, clear-eyed and beautiful in the way of all babies, and it eats and drinks constantly- it is very vocal, especially if another duckling runs into it or something. This leads me to believe that the little creature may be in pain. I don't think it's fair to bring a baby into this world and not give it every fighting chance, but if I can't find a way to help the little duckling, is it also fair that it may be looking forward to a life of pain, and is it cruel NOT to put it down? It only makes sense that if an animal is eating and drinking on its own, it wants to live. Far be it for me to deny him the chance. What kind of knowledge do you all have regarding crooked-legged birds and is there anything I can do to enhance its life? We do have a pond and the duckling only seems comfortable in the water. If it spends the majority of its life in the pond, that makes it worth living, no?

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. This is a tough decision that only you can make based on the quality of life the duckling appears to be enjoying.

 

[rjohns39]

I feel like I have a special responsibility to one of my hatchlings, who came out of the shell with a deformed leg. It's too old (we thought it might straighten out on it's own) to try and splint it. Unfortunately this little guy, although lively, clear-eyed and beautiful in the way of all babies, and it eats and drinks constantly- it is very vocal, especially if another duckling runs into it or something. This leads me to believe that the little creature may be in pain. I don't think it's fair to bring a baby into this world and not give it every fighting chance, but if I can't find a way to help the little duckling, is it also fair that it may be looking forward to a life of pain, and is it cruel NOT to put it down? It only makes sense that if an animal is eating and drinking on its own, it wants to live. Far be it for me to deny him the chance. What kind of knowledge do you all have regarding crooked-legged birds and is there anything I can do to enhance its life? We do have a pond and the duckling only seems comfortable in the water. If it spends the majority of its life in the pond, that makes it worth living, no?

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us
Sorry you're having this issue. Can you post pictures?

 

[Emi McMail]

Yes, and wow, Emi! I totally didn't even think about it, but pictures are sort of necessary in this particular inquiry! Thank you, I will go take some shortly... The crippled leg is pretty bad and the deformity has compromised the little guy's whole posture. He will never fly. I just don't know if he is in too much pain to make life enjoyable.

 

[FrankieDoodle]

Welcome to BYC!!!

 

[Squishychicken]

ducklings are loud as babies any ways so it's real hard to tell but a pic would help.

 

[ronott1]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens!

Life can be enjoyable for a Duck without a pond. It is great that you are giving it a chance!

 

[Squishychicken]

water would take pressure off its leg so it may help it

 

[drumstick diva]

You may want to post on the' duck threads' and get their opinions. Maybe the others bully him when you aren't around. That could be why he reacts when they bump him or come near him. Not pain necessarily but fear of them.

Has he had a chance to swim in bathtub or other? Generally they do better on water because their weight is supported, and any swimming motions may soothe his leg. I'm guessing here, have never been around ducklings.

I have read about ducks that lost a leg and they do quite well on water. Wondering what a experienced avian vet would say. Maybe an amputation would be easier to adjust to and hopefully relieve pain, after recuperation.

 

[Stayc]

Aww i truly appreciate your dedication to this duckling. I'm sure it does too. I hope all works out for you both <3