I rescued a duck from my pond last night - a snapping turtle had it's foot and was trying to drown it. Unfortunately - when I pulled my duck from the water - the snapping turtle ripped the webbing from between 2 of the toes. I've got all my ducks put away for the week...I'm going to try and catch as many snappers as possible. The one that had my duck yesterday - the shell from head to tail was a good foot and a half! Anyways - my Pekin's foot is swollen a bit....but the duck is still eating and drinking completely fine. Is there a soak or disinfectant I should use? It is swelling up the leg a bit....and would hate to lose 'im....he's one of my biggest drakes and he's a beauty......
Disinfectant/Soak for a Duck's injured foot??
Sorry no duck exp here but great rescue! Good hunting!
You can always use diluted peroxide to clean wounds. Epsom salt soak may help with the swelling, but if he drinks i he will get dioreha (no clue how to spell that one!). I worry about the swelling going up the leg if it is at all red or rarmer than the rest of the foot, it may be infection and need an antibiotc. Usually n injury to the weebing causes little trouble and heals well.
Well...my plan was to keep all the ducks in the duck house for a good week while I catch as many snappers as possible. Leave it to my almost 4 yr old - and he let them all out! Needless to say - rounding them up now is impossible. In a way though - I think it actually helped. The leg was looking a little redish....not at all good along with the swelling. Now that the drake has been swimming for a bit - the swelling looks like it's all gone and his leg is back to normal color. I'll keep an eye on it - but I'm glad to know about the diluted peroxide and epsom salt. Thanks so much for your help jyl!
Might try Bluecoat (can't remember how the company spells it) which is used on livestock for cuts. Read the label first to make sure it doesn't say not for birds. It's a disinfectant and protects the wound. Promotes healing.
MollyD
get that son of yours to go fishing! turtles can't resist cooked beef on a hook! sound like alligator turtles!
tf
ducks doing OK?