How to Raise a Lame Duck

When a baby duck is born lame, or if you find a wild duck that is injured, it can be difficult to provide the proper care. A duck is a wild animal, and while a healthy duck requires significant care, a permanently injured duck requires even more. It may not be able to fly, walk or feed itself, or it may have another malady and may not live long even with the best of care. It is possible to raise a lame duck if you are patient and thorough.

Things You'll Need

  • Chicken or duck baby formula (changed to duck feed when older)
  • Baby bottle, feeding syringe or feeding tube
  • Baby diapers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take the duck to a veterinarian, and find out the extent of its health problems. Find out whether the duck will be able to fly, swim and feed itself and whether it will have a limited lifespan. The veterinarian may not be able to answer all the questions at the initial visit. Get any immunizations or other medications needed.

    • 2

      Feed the duck chicken or duck baby formula purchased from a veterinarian or farm supply store. A baby duck needs to be fed using a baby bottle or syringe, and a duck with swallowing difficulty may require the use of a feeding tube. Place the feeding tube near the back of the throat to prevent choking. You may need to feed the duck for the rest of its life, depending on its health problems. Switch to duck feed when it is older, but the feed may need to be liquefied if still using a feeding tube.

    • 3

      Provide an environment suitable for the duck's disabilities and safety. Keep other potentially harmful animals away, because the duck may be unable to defend itself. Focus on its strengths, and provide exercise tailored to what it can do. If it can walk, swim or fly, provide appropriate space for it to do so, but be aware that it may not return.

    • 4

      Place an appropriately sized baby diaper on the duck's rear. Change it regularly throughout the day. A duck with health issues may be unable to control its bladder or waste. A diaper is especially crucial if the animal is kept inside the home.

    • 5

      Visit the veterinarian frequently to keep track of any medical issues that come up or worsen over time. Provide the medication necessary for the duck to live as normal a life as possible. Prepare yourself for the possibility that the duck's injuries or health problems may reach a point where the humane act would be to put it to sleep, or that it may die naturally.