AboutEdward Expertise I am a wildlife rehabber in North America and can answer questions on many species, especially North and South American Species
Experience I have handreared many different types of animals, mainly raccoons, oppossums, raptors, songbirds, crows, deer, and bears. I also have worked in animal centers and zoos.
Organizations World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International.
Publications Ranger Rick Magazine
Education/Credentials Degree in zoology and wildlife biology.
Expert: Edward Date: 7/3/2008 Subject: one legged duck??
Question QUESTION: I got a baby duck yesterday, when i noticed she's not using one of her legs. It just sits limp. Vet said it's not broken, no punctures of any kind. She is in very good health otherwise, drinks a plenty, eats, plays in the tub, as i'm keeping it indoors to help it out. Can a duck walk on one leg? Could it get used to it and be able to live a somewhat normal life? I have seen one legged birds make it out in the wild, would this duck make it in a controlled environment? It's a pet duck, very tamed.
ANSWER: Hello Chantale.
There may be something else wrong with the leg, perhaps even a slight deformity from birth. However, if there seems to be no problem and the duck does not seem to be in pain, then there is an excellent chance of it living a long and happy life. It will have to learn to do some things differently, and walking may be something of a challenge. You could speak to your vet about when your duck is older, maybe getting a support of some kind to make walking easier, a sort of duck crutch. I once saw a chicken born without feet and its owners had shoes made for it. If it is a pet duck, it has an ecellent chance of making it. I do not know what your intentions are, but I would discourage against releasing it into the wild. I don't know if you had even thought about that though. But again, with a little helpl, your duck should live a happy life.
Good luck!
Edward.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Well, it's got a fractured bone in it's thigh. I've got the leg secured and stable. Hopefully it will fully heal properly. Otherwise, we've got some duck walking therapy to do. We thought about the crutch idea, thought we were a bit silly, but I guess it could be done. no this duck won't be released in the wild. It will stay on our farm for as long as it lives. I've been putting her in the bath tub, with just enough water to support her body, so she can learn her balance on one leg, and to get her moving her good leg.
How long do you think I should leave it splintered for? I was told if it stays immobile too long, the muscles will go week and it won't be able to use it anymore. Let's just say she will be one tame duck when we're all done with all this handling, and being in the house.
Answer Oh, I thought you'd said there were no breaks. Well in that case, it should heal alright. However, consult a vet on the splint. If you do it incorrectly, the bone won't heal correctly and it may leave the duckling in lots of pain and discomfort. I'd leave it on for about a week and a half, but during that time I'd work with the leg a little bit. Have the duckling walk on it and such. Again, work with an avian vet or a rehabber to help your duck.
