Ducks are new to us. We added Khaki Campbell ducklings earlier this year, and the ladies are starting to lay eggs with zest. Last night we found one of the hens laying on the ground with her legs stretched out behind her. Other than not being able to get up, the little girl was acting pretty normal; alert, vocalizing and not happy to be picked up.
My mind normally runs in panic mode when we have an animal experiencing a health issue, but I was strangely calm this time because I just happened to have read about Obturator paralysis in laying ducks. When an egg passes through the hen’s body, it can put pressure on the obturator nerve, which runs just inside the pelvic canal and is responsible for movement of the legs. It usually lasts a relatively short time; a few hours, until the egg passes through.
Following advice I’d read on a Facebook group for waterfowl (Raising Ducks And Geese) I prepared a tub of warm water with some epsom salts. The water level was deep enough that the duck’s legs barely touched the bottom. I was further encouraged that the little lady immensely enjoyed her private bath for about 15-20 minutes after which she was placed in a deep tub bedded with straw and provided food and water. The bath was just what the duckie doctor ordered, as the little lady was firmly on her feet when she went into the tub. I kept her in there overnight. Sure enough, there was an egg which was on the larger side. She’s back in with the rest of her flock, running merrily. I wish all health issues were this easy to handle!
