hi I am a wild life carer and have had a aprox 7 week old duckling come in to care with what appears to be a possible break to a bone in the hip area the duckling is eating and drinking and is now trying to walk on the leg which still has some mobility is there any thing more i can be doing to help out this little duck
Optional Information: Type of Animal: duckGender: unknownAge: 7 weeks Already Tried: this little duck came in to care after it was thought to have benn attacked by another animal. it came in not appearing to have had any breaks in its legs or wings after observing it for the last 35 hours i suspect that there may be a break in one of the bones in the hip area the duck when first presented was quiet and did not want to use its right leg even tho there did not appear to be any breaks grazes injuries to it as time has gone on the duck is now trying to bare some weight on it. when i took the animal to our head carer she reexamined the animal and said there may be a possible break further up as i had susspected as she said there felt to be crunchiness in the hip area upon her exam. I have kept the animal quiet and warm. this morning the animal is starting to put weight on the leg and is trying to walk around. is there any more that i can do?
Hello and welcome to JustAnswer.I am guessing that you don't have access to x-ray equipment. If you do, I would definitely get an x-ray as it will make a big difference where the fracture is.Very young animals, and especially young birds, can heal amazingly with very little intervention. Obviously the location of the fracture will potentially make a difference to long term outcome, but if the hip itself is fractured, cage rest may very well result in healing and return to function. Keep it confined to a small cage with bedding that he/she can get good grip and keep him confined there for 3-4 weeks. This should be enough to result in primary fracture healing for many fractures and then gradual increase in activity from that point to prepare for release if he is doing well.If you have access to any pain medications safe for birds, I can try to help dose it for you.
Thank you very much I will continue to keep the little duckling contained as i have been. as for pain relief unfortunetly I am unable to get my hands on any at the moment but will make enquiries about getting some. thank you very much for your time
You are welcome. Good luck.Please click accept.
Experience: Exotic practice including birds for last 6 years. I personally have a green wing macaw.