[Chris H]

We have been given a mixed group of ducks including a call drake and 2 females. On Saturday morning the drake was missing and we feared buzzard had taken him, after checking everywhere. Yesterday (sunday) morning we heard quacking and he was trying to get back in the run. I should say that they have not been handled at all in there old home. Got him in and he has a slight limp and looks bedraggled, left him alone with the group of girls. He is drinking a little but not eating, I am a bit unwilling to chase him about to catch and check him over, there are no visable signs of wounds. Shall i leave alone? I have tried tempting him with pasta and titbits but apart from the girls enjoying it he shows no sign of eating. If it is shock how can I best help him recover? Help please

[jaykay]

Sounds like he's had a run-in with something doesn't it.


I think you're right not to add to the stress by chasing him and handling him.


I think you go on as you are, tempting him and keeping  an eye  on him. Poulty spice and Battles poultry drink are supposed to help with birds being rundown and stressed. I've used both and certainly they do no harm.

[Chris H]

Thanks Jaykay, he is such a cocky little chap it is hard to see him so quiet. Do they need to eat like chickens or will a day or two with nothing be OK?
Can't understand what might have got him?

[jaykay]

Well since he survived it, probably not a fox or stoat.
Dog, bigger drake, goose......?


If he's fundamentally undamaged, he will be ok not eating for a day or so. If he's had a battle I expect he's stiff and sore, as well as shocked.

[Chris H]

No foxes here on Lewis, we do have wild geese? the three call ducks did like to take a walk down to the burn, maybe my little chap came a cropper then? I have now put a stop to the walk abouts!