Locking Bar Eglu Classic

[OtakuBabe]

hi i just wanted a few tips for a new duck owner!

We had a 18week old duckling as a gift this morning (a white campbell we believe) who has been lovingly named Quackers, he is a bit different as his feet seem to be paralysed but he gets around fine by waddling on his elbows!

 

we have a rabbit hutch and a paddling pool for him but because he cant walk very well i was hoping for a few sugguestions for some better housing

 

also any tips on how long i should let him swim? (he cant get in and out of the pool by himself)

 

Thanks!!

 

Jenny x

[miller30]

I dont mean to sound mean but he may do his joints some serious damage if not the skin may wear away he should have been culled if he cant walk sorry leanne.

[OtakuBabe]

he can move about fine he just doesnt use his feet, his elbows (if you can call them that??) have grown a tough skin almost like the heel of a foot.

of course it goes without saying that i would never want him to be in pain but we knew he wasnt going to be the typical pet duck when we saw him.

 

i can understand why you would say that but i am not the type of person to take away an animal's life for no good reason, as long as he stays happy and healthy myself and my partner will strive to keep him that way

[OtakuBabe]

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4waXP5zq65Q

this isnt my Quackers but is the same condition he has.

Its called Perosis, its seems his tendons slipped before he hatched and it is damn near irreversible at his age.

There are alot of cases of it and the 'cure' of choice is to simply kill the animal even when there is no distress.

Ducks with this, when given the chance, CAN LIVE HAPPY LIVES.

 

now, returning to my original question, can anyone give use a few tips on feeding and how many trips to the paddling pool he may require?

[miller30]

Its hard to say about swimming my ducks are in and out their pond most of the day you could just put him in it a couple of times aday for about an hour each time the rabbit hutch sounds fine and my ducks just eat layers,corn and lettuce and pasta for treats i cant find the video on you tube leanne.

[OtakuBabe]

thank you and sorry for the rant, it just seems like i had hit a brick wall with most of the duck forums and i was getting a bit frustrated

try that link

 

we've been letting him have a good swim and a preen in clean water for about half an hour 3 times a day, so i'll make sure he gets more time in the pool

 

we have him of layers and were recommended to gradually put him onto rearers.

Also what are the thoughts on Marmite on toast??

i've been told its good for him because of the B vitamins but i've never heard of feeding a duck marmite before!

[miller30]

My chickens eat marmite on toast now and again not sure i would give it to a duck was your duck from a breeder or rescue place you have probably hit a brick wall with a lot of forums because people will not agree with keeping a duck that cant walk i dont blame you i blame the breeder they should have done the right thing when they knew the ducks feet were no good you are now just trying to give quackers a good home i have watched the video and it has shocked me i have been a duck keeper for years and i just love to see my ducks jumping in and out their pond playing in the mud im not having a go at you im just trying to explain why you may have bad reactions from other people leanne

[donald]

I think if the duck is going to be safe ie not drown if it cant get out the pool I would make sure it has a shallow container to dip its head under..this is the most important requirement that ducks can duck their heads under. It may be safer to provide a shallow container.

 

I think you will need to keep the duck on a softer surface as ducks are prone to leg problems and sores/sprains etc without deformity. So ie when the winter comes you will need to keep an eye on legs. Birds can be hard to treat by the vets etc

 

What I am saying is good luck but the duck may end up being culled despite the good intention etc but good luck anyway.