URGENT SICKLY DAY OLD DUCKLING

[fivelittlefeathers]

I work at the local tractor supply and took home a baby duck that's in terrible shape. It has a splayed leg, shivers constantly and has labored breathing. Plus a strange wound on its beak. It's not even two days old, it arrived with its toes stuck together. Yet it is still feisty and poops and eats/drinks when it can. I want to help this baby so bad but past splinting it's legs I have no clue where to start. Any and all help appreciated.

 

[Pyxis]

How are you brooding it? What is the temperature under the heat lamp or whatever heat source you're using for it? Can you post a picture of the leg issues and the beak wound? Did you bring a second duckling home to keep it company, since they are flock animals and absolutely need to have a friend?

 

[GldnValleyHens]

Is it under warmth? I would make sure it has a heat lamp, some electrolytes which never hurt, and after he is settled try tackling the leg. I've heard splayed legs can be fixed by tying the injured one and the other together on a stretch of string. Post pics, that always helps

 

[17 chickens]

what are you feeding it? Ducklings need niacin!

 

[GldnValleyHens]

How are you brooding it? What is the temperature under the heat lamp or whatever heat source you're using for it? Can you post a picture of the leg issues and the beak wound? Did you bring a second duckling home to keep it company, since they are flock animals and absolutely need to have a friend?

LOL our posts are just alike, but yours is more sophisticated

 

[fivelittlefeathers]

Okay so the baby is in a cat carrier with pine shaving and electrolyte water (save-a-chic). Sadly it was only him I could take, but I have a tiny stuffed animal in with him. Heat lamp set up overhead too. The shaking stopped but the labored breathing is still there. It's trying to move more. I promise if he makes it til morning I'll post pictures but I'm terrified of stressing him more, plus he's already asleep. No feed for now but I have the purina flock starter and grow for him to eat come morning. I've raised a pair of ducks before, so I'm not totally clueless, I've just never seen one this bad off. He does have a home with other ducks already arranged if he survives

 

[fivelittlefeathers]

Welp, 4:50 AM update. He died. He was doing okay when I went to sleep at 1, but I just woke up to get a drink and he's been dead for an hour or so. Thanks for your suggestions and concerns

 

[Eagle Flight Farm]

I'm so sorry. You did your very best to help and I am grateful.

 

[Miss Lydia]

So sorry, thank you for trying your best to save the lil one.