[wearingfarm]

I have 4 runner ducklings - 10 weeks old.  Found poor 'Leafy' this afternoon lay upside down unable to right himself. Picked him up and offered him water, nursed for a while - both legs strong but appears to have lost ability to support upper body/neck.  When sat/huddled down, he rests head on body and if startled (which obviously were are not doing) shuffling/stumbles/staggered on tummy, with rocking unstableness.  Is Quacking and responsive to sound/movement, with clear bright eyes.  Have isolated in warm shed with plenty of bedding, water and crumb for the night.  Not feeling too hopeful - 3 others are fine - but would welcome thoughts or suggestions. I wondered if he had injured his neck?

Amy

[doganjo]

I had one like that but she was old - I reckoned it was a stroke - she hobbled down into the stream and drowned because she couldn't float so keep him out of water till he's better.

[shetlandpaul]

if a chicken it should be culled. if you think it may recover give it a go but unless there is any sign of improvement very shortly you must put it down.

[wearingfarm]

  Leafy the Runner has made excellent progress! Put him in isolation in warm shed overnight and this morning was quacking like a good un!  Still a litte 'skitty' but standing well and upright like indian runners should be! It is a mystery!  Perhaps he was playing dead as part of an escape plan!  Fingers crossed he continues to make good progress.  I am keeping him in warm shed tonight, but wondered if anyone had any suggestions as to how long he should be isolated and how to re-introduce him to his friends - they keep quacking to one another 

[shetlandpaul]

thats good im pleased he is getting better.

[little blue]

JUst from one chicken experience.. so others may know better... keep him in sight of the others if possible and when you know he's better, pop him back just as they're settling down for the night.  Keep an ear on them in case of fighting and be sure to let them out early the next day to go about their business to give them all space.  As they all know each other you should have less probs than introducing a totally new one

Glad he's better, its always a worry when they're 'off it!'