Treating ducks for bumble foot

[Weeg]

I believe that 3 of my ducks have bumble foot. I've treated it multiple times in chickens, and struggled with the ducks in the past. My biggest issues are, wrapping the foot, keeping it dry, and prevention. Our run is super hard and rocky, so of course, the heaviest of my breeds all have bumbles. I'm assuming I can treat it same as the chickens, soak in epsom salt to soften bumble then remove? Wrap and pack with Neosporin. But I've had a hard time keeping it dry without restricting access to the pool. I watched a video about taping a plastic bag around the foot, but the ones I had just tore, and to keep ti water tight I had to tap duck tape directly to the leg, which seemed to work, but was a pain to get off and probably uncomfortable. Adding to the difficulties, my ducks are terrified of me. I have to corner them and cause a ton of stress to catch them, which really sucks. Suggestions on easing this issue are very much appreciated.
I really want to get a load of mulch to cover the ground very soon. I was hoping I could expand the run before that, but it seems that projects are endless around here, and of course, the ducks gets pushed to the bottom of the list.
Suggestions on catching flighty ducks, keeping it dry without restricting access to the pool, and wrapping without duck shoes are welcome! I don't want to restrict access since my run is so hard for the time being, and for now the pond is there best escape. Those are my biggest issues. Thanks so much for any suggestions!

 

[Quatie]

You do treat them the same. You however do need to restrict access to their pool. I always separate mine out in a smaller area with water they can stick their head in, but can't swim in. They may not be happy being separated, but it is for their own good. You can give them a bath in between wraps, but they don't need them. I would recommend getting some thing like straw or shavings to soften the ground while they are in recovery.

I use vet wrap on my ducks. It sticks well and is fairly easy to get off. Some brands are better than others. Some people use pool noodles for a cushioned surface. I haven't tried it, but that may work well for you, especially if you can't soften the ground during recovery.

Softening the ground is going to be your best bet to prevent it and help with recovery.

Here is a great thread about taming ducks :
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/anyone-need-help-taming-their-ducks-its-a-thing.1443804/

The more time you spend with them, the easier they will be to handle and less afraid of you. I also usually find the daily care if a sick or injured duck makes them more social and easier to handle overtime.

 

[Weeg]

You do treat them the same. You however do need to restrict access to their pool. I always separate mine out in a smaller area with water they can stick their head in, but can't swim in. They may not be happy being separated, but it is for their own good. You can give them a bath in between wraps, but they don't need them. I would recommend getting some thing like straw or shavings to soften the ground while they are in recovery.

I use vet wrap on my ducks. It sticks well and is fairly easy to get off. Some brands are better than others. Some people use pool noodles for a cushioned surface. I haven't tried it, but that may work well for you, especially if you can't soften the ground during recovery.

Softening the ground is going to be your best bet to prevent it and help with recovery.

Here is a great thread about taming ducks :
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/anyone-need-help-taming-their-ducks-its-a-thing.1443804/

The more time you spend with them, the easier they will be to handle and less afraid of you. I also usually find the daily care if a sick or injured duck makes them more social and easier to handle overtime.

Thank you! I have been trying to spend more time with them, and they have definitely improved. They will run up to me if I'm filling up the feeder, and they will get very close when offering treats.
They don't do well with being picked up or touched though, and are very flighty when it comes to that.
I'll see what I can do about making a separate area, and try to treat them when I'm done. I'll also work on getting that load of mulch to soften the ground, since hay wont last long in our rainy climate. Its been pretty dry recently, but its supposed to start raining soon. It can get pretty wet when the rain decides to stick around.
Thank you!
Any tricks for catching them that may be less stressful? Thats were I fail. No matter how close they will get to me with food, me chasing them around their pen trying to catch them is only gone make them flightier. Ideas?

 

[Quatie]

Thank you! I have been trying to spend more time with them, and they have definitely improved. They will run up to me if I'm filling up the feeder, and they will get very close when offering treats.
They don't do well with being picked up or touched though, and are very flighty when it comes to that.
I'll see what I can do about making a separate area, and try to treat them when I'm done. I'll also work on getting that load of mulch to soften the ground, since hay wont last long in our rainy climate. Its been pretty dry recently, but its supposed to start raining soon. It can get pretty wet when the rain decides to stick around.
Thank you!
Any tricks for catching them that may be less stressful? Thats were I fail. No matter how close they will get to me with food, me chasing them around their pen trying to catch them is only gone make them flightier. Ideas?

I can understand hay won't last long. There was a thread recently where people were talking about options in wet locations. I think sand was one idea. You might find other ideas from people that will work well in your area.

Yeah. Ducks don't like to be held. Even my social ducks are not very big on being held. Some ducks can be particular difficult to catch. Once a duck I am treating is being kept in a smaller area, it makes it easier. In larger areas, I do not run after them. I walk behind them. Eventually they will make a move to stop and turn. That is usually when I can get them. If you can heard them to a fence or corner, that also helps. Remain calm during it and talk calmly to them. It definitely helps when you have a second person for particularly difficult ducks. You can also end your treatment session with treats. Overtime, they do realize you are trying to help them even if they are not thrilled about it.

However, my Muscovy often outwit me and my husband . They have to be the hardest to catch because they are so smart. If you have Muscovy, I am still looking at good ways to catch them.

 

[KaleIAm]

My ducks don't like being caught, even though they are very friendly with me. The one who likes to jump in my lap actually dislikes being caught the most. It really stresses her out and I dread it so much.

I catch her as quickly as possible, with little to no chasing to make it as least stressful as possible for her. During the catching process I make sure not to look directly at her, that makes her feel more like I'm a predator. I look next to her. Also, I move slowly the entire time, except at the very end. First I "herd" her into a small area. Its best if she's already in a small area, like a coop or smaller part of their aviary. Better still if the rest of the flock is separated from her. Then I slowly and gently herd her into corner. I keep both my arms open wide and slowly approach her. Let's pretend she's facing left. I stop moving forward, and crouch down slowly. I slowly wiggle my left fingers keeping them far far away from her, the point of this is to distract her. Then suddenly I dart out with my right hand and grab her around the neck, and bring my left hand to meet my right hand and slide them both down around her body to hold her around her wings.

I hope that makes sense. Please ask for clarification if it doesn't.

 

[Weeg]

I can understand hay won't last long. There was a thread recently where people were talking about options in wet locations. I think sand was one idea. You might find other ideas from people that will work well in your area.

Yeah. Ducks don't like to be held. Even my social ducks are not very big on being held. Some ducks can be particular difficult to catch. Once a duck I am treating is being kept in a smaller area, it makes it easier. In larger areas, I do not run after them. I walk behind them. Eventually they will make a move to stop and turn. That is usually when I can get them. If you can heard them to a fence or corner, that also helps. Remain calm during it and talk calmly to them. It definitely helps when you have a second person for particularly difficult ducks. You can also end your treatment session with treats. Overtime, they do realize you are trying to help them even if they are not thrilled about it.

However, my Muscovy often outwit me and my husband . They have to be the hardest to catch because they are so smart. If you have Muscovy, I am still looking at good ways to catch them.

Thank you! This is very helpful. I'll see if I can find that thread.
I've been contemplating mulch or sand, thought about making a thread before I went and made the purchase, and realized I should have bought the other.
I'll have to take your advice or catching them. I've tried towels and cornering them in the past, and that can make them easier to grab, but probably not less stressful.
Thanks for taking the time to write this, I'l keep this thread updated.

 

[Weeg]

My ducks don't like being caught, even though they are very friendly with me. The one who likes to jump in my lap actually dislikes being caught the most. It really stresses her out and I dread it so much.

I catch her as quickly as possible, with little to no chasing to make it as least stressful as possible for her. During the catching process I make sure not to look directly at her, that makes her feel more like I'm a predator. I look next to her. Also, I move slowly the entire time, except at the very end. First I "herd" her into a small area. Its best if she's already in a small area, like a coop or smaller part of their aviary. Better still if the rest of the flock is separated from her. Then I slowly and gently herd her into corner. I keep both my arms open wide and slowly approach her. Let's pretend she's facing left. I stop moving forward, and crouch down slowly. I slowly wiggle my left fingers keeping them far far away from her, the point of this is to distract her. Then suddenly I dart out with my right hand and grab her around the neck, and bring my left hand to meet my right hand and slide them both down around her body to hold her around her wings.

I hope that makes sense. Please ask for clarification if it doesn't.

Definitely, that is very helpful. There current area has plenty of corners, so hopefully I can her them around with little stress. Ducks are tough. My chickens don't like being caught either, but ducks are just tough.
Thanks everyone for your advice, I'll keep you posted.

 

[DuckDuckPromise]

I know this thread is a few months old, but you pretty much described some of our duckies! And the whole hay situation is something we’ve been dealing with!!! Thank you for posting this!

 

[Weeg]

I know this thread is a few months old, but you pretty much described some of our duckies! And the whole hay situation is something we’ve been dealing with!!! Thank you for posting this!

No problem! I'm glad it could be helpful!

 

[fuscia]

if it is bumblefoot I’d suggest getting to a vet sooner than later. I waited and it spread to the point they’re not sure if they can get it all out with a surgery. Her bumble didn’t have an obvious exit point or abscess so I wasn’t sure what it was. I’ll most likely have to euthanize her. So yeah, I need to reassess what I’m doing out here.