There are several reasons that can cause lameness in a bird. It could be a dislocation, a wound, an illness. In the latter case, the animal experiences additional symptoms, such as feather loss, inflammation of the cornea, etc. Such signs may indicate a deficiency of vitamins and microelements in the body. What to do if the duck is limping? The first is to find out the cause, the second is to eliminate it.
Why can a duck limp?
Lameness in a bird can be caused by:
- leg injuries (dislocations, fractures, wounds, burns and other injuries to the limbs);
- congenital pathologies of the legs due to improper development of the fetus (possible causes are inbreeding, violation of the incubation regime);
- insufficient number of females in the ducklings (the drake often covers the same ducks, which increases the load on their body - the weight of the drake is 6 kg, while the females weigh about 4.5 kg);
- avitaminosis;
- mycoplasmosis.
Leg injuries
This category includes joint dislocations, bone fractures, bruises, and wounds. Ducks often receive similar injuries when making sudden movements due to fright (not only ducklings, but also adult birds are very timid, so they instantly react to the slightest noise).
With fractures, the damaged area swells and becomes bluish. The problem is usually not eliminated, and birds with pathology are sent for slaughter.
Avitaminosis
If a duck is lame, the cause may be a lack of vitamins. Due to a lack of B vitamins, birds develop perosis, a sign of which is tendon displacement, and subsequently joint dislocation.
If there is no calcium, phosphorus, or sodium in the diet, bone tissue softens in animals. The accelerated growth of fattening ducklings causes greater stress on the skeleton and deformation of the bones, which is why lameness develops.
Mycoplasmosis
Weak immune defense allows mycoplasma bacteria to become active in the animal’s body. Signs of mycoplasmosis:
- the joints of the lower extremities begin to swell;
- local temperature increase;
- stiffness of movement, lameness;
- greenish droppings;
- ruffled feathers;
- pale beak.
Treatment and prevention
The lame duck is kept in a separate cage. The bruise site is cooled, and after 4-5 hours the limb is wrapped in a warm cloth. After a couple of weeks the bruise goes away. If the joint is dislocated, it is reduced, after which a tight bandage is applied to the leg. A stocking is put on the animal so that it covers the tail and part of the back. In case of a fracture, an x-ray is taken, the limb is fixed and antibacterial therapy is prescribed. After a month, the fixator is removed and a tight bandage is put on the leg.
If mycoplasmosis is detected in a bird, the veterinarian prescribes a course of antibiotics, and the ducklings are completely disinfected. To prevent the development of vitamin deficiency, a grain mixture, potato tubers, lettuce and cabbage are introduced into the animal’s diet. The menu should also include yeast, fish oil, and bran.
It is important to ensure that there are a sufficient number of females in the house.
Another important point is compliance with the incubation regime. Eggs must be turned regularly to prevent fetal tissue from becoming attached to the inside of the shell. Eggs should not be damaged. To avoid having to constantly treat ducks, it is recommended to purchase birds with good immunity, such as the hybrid duck Mulard.
Lameness in ducks is common, but the condition is not difficult to cure. Still, it should not be taken to extremes. Compliance with preventive measures and recommendations for bird care will help prevent problems from occurring.
