Duck physical therapy in the water!

[Happyflower]

Tonight I started something new and so far I see some improvement over my rescue duck who keeps flipping over because of her walking.
Well first I thought swimming would exercise her legs since she doesn't want to walk this week. Well as we were slowing letting the water out, we noticed that once the water was too shallow to swim, she had to stand up and walk around and the little amount of water helped her balance better. So I am thinking of trying this maybe twice a day to strengthen her legs and helping with her balance, hoping if all she did was strain one of her legs by trying to escape the cage the other day, she will get back to normal. Besides with all her feathers coming in, it has to feel good.

 

[duckyfromoz]

Thats a great idea...it works for humans. I have used it in the past with a duck who had some issues and it definately helped. Keep us updated about how the little one gets on.

 

[nissa_loves_cats]

Boy, I'll have to try that with my little duckling that has walking problems.

 

[katharinad]

Try warm water, it will increase blood circulation.
Katharina

 

[Baybrio]

Yup, I've used the water therapy with Daffy (can't walk due to balance issues from birth). I have noticed he is less coordinated when cold, so I agree the warm water is the best.

I also use a ferret harness put on with the solid part under his chest, one Velcro closure in front of his wings the other behind his wings. Using this we found out he can run! He still can't really walk but he can run almost as fast as his siblings. The ferret harness came with an elastic leash that works very well.

We also found that using the large foam pool noodles (those long foam things kids use in pools) cut so they line his cage and covered with towels allow him to maneuver more easily. He spends a lot of time with his feet on the floor and his chest resting on a "noodle". The towels keep the noodles from rolling out from under him when he's trying to get up. We also modified his cage which I think is a large guinea pig or small rabbit cage by adding a square block of hard foam (regular Styrofoam is too easy to eat) with cutouts for his water and food dishes, also has a place for grit.

I'll try and get a few pictures.

 

[Happyflower]

Baybrio,

Your cage idea sounds very good, and I may have to go that route if my duck can't get around very well. (I would love to see photos) I notice that she tries to use the stuffed animal in the cage to help her get up if she falls over.

She did do a little better today, taking a few steps without falling over as I tempt her with rolly pollies just a few steps away from her grab. But boy is she getting an attitude!

If we stop giving her bugs she comes up to us and gives that shaky neck thing and runs her beak up our arm!

SPOILED DUCKY AFTER HER BATH!

 

[Happyflower]

Okay, she just had her nighttime bath and boy was she animated! After her bath, the great thing is that she is standing up on her feet again, walking around clumsily but that is so much better than just a couple of days ago. Now when she falls over she seems to have more energy to flip herself upright again. I have some more hope today.

 

[lovesduckies]

very cute!! i hope she gets better and it helps. my mallard duckling, Fruitloops hates me lol i have a rouen duckling too that i help dry off after bathtime and it always tries to escape. little brats. lol. your duckie seems to like you

 

[Baybrio]

Happyflower,

Try rolling towels up and putting them around your duckling. Leave only enough space for her body between the towels. Or you might try lining a loaf pan (the kind used for bread baking) with a small towel and see if that keeps her upright. You'll need to find a way to keep water and food in front of her.

Good luck she is very cute.