I think my baby duck's foot is infected, please help! (with picture)

doesitmatter

In the Brooder
May 6, 2018
15
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Hello, I'm new to this forum, so please forgive me if a case like this has already been posted. I searched but didn't find anything similar.

I'm currently caring for 7 baby mallard ducks. They all eat, drink, sleep, and eliminate waste like normal. I've only had them for two days and a half. Last night I had them out for a swim (in tap water) and I noticed that one baby had a limp, and would not paddle its foot while swimming, then I noticed that the skin on the injured foot was peeling just a little bit, it looked thin and translucent. As their swim session continued it began to paddle its foot like the other babies, so I thought it'd be fine, but today when I checked on it I found that one foot doesn't look healthy like the other one. The only way I can describe the appearance is of that of an infection.

It doesn't appear to be in any pain, but it does do something like a half sit whilst preening, so there must be some stress involved with its condition.

I think I should take it in to be examined, but the vets are closed today.

Please look at the picture and help me in any way you can. I've never had to care for baby wild birds before so this is all very new to me, but I'm willing to do everything to help them survive until they're old enough to be released back into the wild.
20180506_185813.jpg
 
Hmmm.. peeling could be from dryness but u said u had water.. it looks infected. You might want to get something from the vet to put on it or something safe u could find at a pet store. But the vet would be a great idea if u can tomorrow. Sorry I couldn't be a better help.
 
@sylviethecochin The only thing I think that could have burnt its foot is the space heater I use to keep them warm. I keep it about 3 feet from them and leave it on low, but if it overheated the wall (it's plastic) of their cage then it's possible, I think.

I'm making some saline water for it (wish I knew their gender) right now, so hopefully, if it's infected that will slow it down until I can have it checked out. Thanks again!
 

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