duck with ? neck injury not preening

[flockoblues]

10 days ago a bobcat came into our yard and killed 2 ducks and injured a third. At the time she didn't seem to have any open wounds, but she had a smear of blood (from another duck) on her back, could barely walk and one wing wasn't moving. I'm assuming she was grabbed and shaken. By the next morning she was up and walking with both wings back in place. She eats and walks around but doesn't extend her neck all the way and I have not seen her preening at all. Her feathers are starting to look ragged. Will she lose her water resistance if she isn't preening ? Seems like that could have dire consequences, especially in cold weather. Any suggestions? Taking her to a vet isn't an option. Thanks for any help.

[Evy]

Not much you can do but let her heal on her own. I'd offer her good shelter & keep her out of the water if there's a question.

[flockoblues]

Thanks, I'm doing that. Other concern today with her is that her eyes had a little crusted stuff under them. I don't think she can stick her head in the bucket to clean them, but also isn't rooting in the bedding so may not be getting stuff in them so much either. Any action needed on the eyes?

[Evy]

I'd give her a deep pan so she can get her head in a couple times a day, even if you dunk her. Don't leave it for her to make a mess though.

[threehorses]

What helped with my goose that couldn't reach down to bathe his face in water was to use a horse watering bucket, or a 5 gallon type bucket that sits high. Only thing is you might want to fill it with something so she doesn't get in there and not be able to get out. (I actually had that happen - awful).

Alternately, try putting a more shallow pan of water (like a dishpan) on top of a cinder block or something higher like that so she doesn't have to bend her neck. Encourage her by splashing in it a bit.

Now's the time for bumping up her nutrition. She's under stress from having lost flockmates, safety, and having been injured and now in pain. That means her immune system is weakened. She's more susceptible to things. Make sure she has the ultimate nutrition at the moment. I'm not usually a big fan of vitamins and electrolytes, but I gave my geese some when they were injured in their water. Only thing since they're water hogs, you have to take their water away a bit, then give them the medicated, let them get a few good sips, then r emove it and replace with fresh water. That way they neither overdose or get vitamins in their sinuses.

I hope your girl feels better. I don't know what to do about her grooming since that requires her bending her neck around. But sprains, like in humans, take a while to heal. Maybe at least the sinus bathing would help her.

Good luck!

[flockoblues]

Thanks for the advice. She's still not moving her neck much or preening. I have the water set down in the bedding some so that it is easier to get her head in and once in a while I give her a dunk. I've been adding brewers yeast and sunflower seeds to feed and giving greens (freebies from the grocery store). We had our first egg of the season today and it looks like one of hers, although hard to tell until all 3 are laying and I can compare. I was amazed to see the egg after all the stress they have gone through, not to mention change from natural light outside to light bulb in the barn. They are amazingly resilient creatures....

[threehorses]

Cheers on the egg! Yeah, after all mine had been through, one laid an egg. This time I'm not pulling them, going to let them hatch some babies this year. But it is indeed a testament to how hardy they can be, isn't it? I'm glad to hear it.

Wow, she's getting some nice food there. :) I need to go to our local produce row and see if they have anything available that i could use around here; good idea on the greens. Mine could probably use a little of that goodness.

Nathalie