Indian Runner Duckling turned in leg

[bcramer]

Hi, I'm a first time duck owner and just received three Indian Runners last week. Right off the bat, one of them was sitting down more often than the other two, but didn't have any visible signed of deformity. This week, her right leg is very obviously turned inward to the point that her right foot crosses over her left and she trips every time she tries to walk. Everything I've read online points to splay leg, but because the leg is already turned in and not out, the hobble isn't helping. I tried to move it up higher above the joint in an attempt to isolate her leg closer to her body because I think the issue is originating in her hip joint. Their food is supplemented with niacin, it's specifically for baby ducks, and their bedding is shredded hemp so she has plenty of traction. Anyone have experience with this?

 

[casportpony]

Welcome to BYC! Can you post some pictures & a video?

 

[bcramer]

Welcome to BYC! Can you post some pictures & a video?

I can’t attach videos but here’s a couple photos. After observing her more today, it looks like the hip joint is bulging AND the bottom of her leg below the joint is twisted, causing her right foot to overlap the other. If I gently twist the bottom of her leg, her foot aligns properly and she happily lays down in that position. I tried vet tape earlier today but every time I got it to where her hip was supported properly, she would wiggle out of it. I’m thinking about wrapping her overnight in a sitting position so the leg is oriented the right way, it would immobilize her which I don’t like, but I can move her food and water within reach and unwrap her first thing in the morning and check her progress. My fear is if we don’t try everything possible now, it’ll get worse as she grows and her mobility will be limited.