I found a duck on the side of the road today with two dead babies. After I managed to catch her I looked for other babies but I couldn't find any. So I brought her home I attempted to bathe her. I found out she has a broken right wing and a skull fracture. A former vet I know said a vet would put her to sleep. So, I am going to try and keep her myself. I just wanted to know what I should do. I cleaned up her wounds and put antibacterial cream all over her, and after she settles a little I am going to try and splint her wing, but I'm not quite sure how I should go about that. So, if any one could help me out I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks

-- Amber Barnard (basmobile@hotmail.com), May 06, 2002

Answers

Amber, call the local Fish and Wildlife Office. They will know where your Wildlife clearing house is located. This is where all wildlife is taken and then transported to the Veterinarian who is knowledgable about that particular species. If the duck is treatable they will try. Then, if she survives she will be assigned to a Mallard Rehabber with experience in giving meds and caring for post surgical ducks. Wing fractures are very serious but some ducks have been saved. You must not dawdle around with this, she needs proper care right away! To mess about with her yourself is: (1) against the law. and (2) just torturing the duck. She needs proper x raying, maybe surgery, imobilization of the fractures(maybe even pins) and antibiotics. And correct diet for a wild duck. The aim here is to get her to the point where she can be re introduced into the wild or if permanently damaged, a good home can be found for her. Hope this helps. LQ

-- Little Quacker in OR (carouselxing@juno.com), May 06, 2002.

There are vets that volenteer their time for this. I once brought in a litter of wild rabbits that were ALMOST ready to be weaned that my dog found and disturbed and the mother never came back: I think he scared her off because I marked the nest and the covering was not disturbed either that night or the next morning. I was told that they took EVERY animal, including the animals (like rabbits) that were considered pests because kind-hearted people needed a place to bring injured and orphaned animals. They considered it a service to their community. It is called wildlife rescue out here.

-- Terri (hooperterri@prodigy.net), May 07, 2002.