How to Help a Duck With a Broken Ankle

If you see a duck with a potentially broken ankle, you should act immediately. If a duck is wounded, it can become infected and cause the duck to die. While you should immediately speak to a trained professional, in the meantime you can do some first aid on the duck that will help to calm it down and prevent any infection. You can also create a splint for the duck, which will help to set the leg.

Things You'll Need

  • Chopstick or matchstick
  • Towel
  • Antibacterial soap
  • Cotton wool
  • Adhesive bandages
  • Box
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make an appointment at the veterinarian. Explain what has happened and the situation with the duck's ankle. He will most likely arrange an emergency appointment. If not, the vet will give you advice on how to look after the duck.

    • 2

      Make a splint if the vet recommends this. Cut a chopstick in half, or a matchstick if the duck is young. Remove the head of the matchstick.

    • 3

      Wrap a towel around the duck to prevent it from squirming and ruining the procedure. Clean the wound with bacterial soap, if there is a break in the skin. Dry the area with a piece of cotton wool.

    • 4

      Hold the splint material either side of the leg an wrap an adhesive bandage around the leg, making sure that the splints and the leg are fully secured. This will support the leg until the trip to the vet.

    • 5

      Place the duck in a box, with a folded-up towel for warmth and comfort in a darkened room. The linen closet will be warm and will keep the duck happy. If your duck has been in an accident, stress can be a major problem. Placing it in a darkened room will calm it down, and placing it in a box will prevent it from trying to walk. Check on it every couple of hours, and keep it fed and watered. Take it to the vet in this box to keep it happy on the journey.