The duck was hypothermic, weak, thin, dehydrated and shocky. It also had two large infected bite wounds above its tail. We immediately gave it IV fluids and it spent the next 3 days warming in an incubator, gradually building up strength. We knew the bite wounds needed attention so they were cleaned up and antibiotics were started, but I knew it wasn't strong enough to handle anesthesia. After medical care and food for 6 days I took it to Central Nova Animal Hospital, anesthetized it, and cleaned the wounds properly.
Since that time it has spent the last couple of weeks recovering in our bird room in a soft sided playpen as we wanted to keep it warm and keep the wounds uncontaminated. I am happy to report that today it went to a new home ( thanks Claudia!) where it will live its days with other ducks and geese and a caring owner. We don't normally handle domestic birds, but have so far had good luck placing stranded ducks and geese. A happy ending for a duck that was otherwise doomed. Thanks to Jennifer T. for taking the time to call and rescue this duck :)
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