Two lame ducks

[Fennel]

We have probably 30 Muscovey ducks in our farm pond. We've had one of the young females go lame a few weeks ago, just sits around, won't walk. She will eat/drink if you put it in front of her. She's had a few blood blisters come up on her feet, that I've drained. I put her in the backyard fence at night to try keeping her safe.
Now, another one is doing the same thing. She's in the fence now too. They are about 3 months old. There's nothing obvious on their feet, except the blood blisters on the first one. Our ducks free range all the time, so should be getting plenty of bugs, and other goodies. We also give them corn.
Ideas? No poultry vets in our area.

 

[sourland]

Any possibility their feet have gotten frost bite ?

 

[johntfs]

Soak their feet/legs in Epsom salt to sooth them. And just watch them. Hopefully someone else can give you better advice.

 

[Jpat]

are you only feeding corn?

 

[DuckyDonna]

are you only feeding corn?

Good thought! Bet that might have something to do with the problem!

 

[Fennel]

Corn is the only grain we give them, yes. They're not too interested in anything else. They pretty much have the run of our farm.

 

[CLovesDucks]

are you only feeding corn?

Jpat has a good thought. Corn doesn’t provide enough nutrition, especially for a flock of ducks your size. Tractor Supply sells up to 50 lb bags of poultry feed for under $16.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Could something in the water be biting their feet? Fish, turtles?

 

[ShannonR]

The feed is definitely something to investigate more. Besides what has been said above, are there stickers around, or sharp glass pieces or something else causing the blood blisters?

 

[Fennel]

Only mowed grass and the gravel driveway. The second duck I put in the fence last night, flew out. So she, at least, has some defense.