Duck Infection - Medicating

One of our poor cayuga ducks ended up with an infection on her leg/foot. This is what many duck people call Bumblefoot.

First, how we treated. We did 15mg/kg of Baytril twice daily for 5 days. Ideally, you would like to give it by mouth, as high doses of baytril can cause muscle necrosis.

So, how do you treat a duck? Very annoyingly!

First, we kept her separated from the other ducks in a 10x10 dog lot with a little a-frame shelter. We love having the extra small pen just for times like this. It is great for quarantine of new animals, separation of the sick, or to kick out those crazy roosters before butchering. This is also good, because you can not eat her eggs while she is on the baytril. Baytril is an antibiotic, so toss those eggs!

Grab your duck. Since ours is lame it is a little easier. Day 3-4 of treatment got much harder, she knew the drill! I like to tuck the duck between my legs, that way I can use my legs to hold the duck and my hands work the head.

Remember, this stuff tastes awful and ducks do bite.

Insert the syringe in the back corner of her beak and use that to pry open the beak. This wont be so hard the first time, but as time goes on, she will resist. Try not to apply too much pressure to her head.

Make sure you complete your full round of antibiotics!

I don't care if it is hard, get a friend. This is very important for the health of your duck.