Home Hill Farm Clinic

Home Hill Farm Medical Centre is open for business.

Wacky (as in wacko) the Indian Runner who spent the first few days following birth madly throwing its head backwards and falling over usually into water container is cured. For some days now there has been no fitting. Thanks to The Backyard Duck Book and its author Nyiri Murtagh. As often as possible we would put a few drops of sugared water into Wacky's tiny beak/bill. The apparent cause of the problem was lack of Glucose to the brain.

Wocky (as in wockeye) the Rhode Island Red arrived with a problem in one eye causing it to be shut and looking infected. Using a jeweller's eyepiece we trimmed away some suspect fur around the eye. An extremely difficult and delicate task. Jean regularly bathed the eye with a salt solution and for a few days it worsened then the swelling disappeared but the eye remained partially shut. It is now fine fully open to the point we had trouble picking which one is Wocky.

Tippy (tippy toe) the Rhode Island Red arrived with both sets of toes curled under. Using gaffer tape (after trying various other adhesive tapes) we have been binding Tippy's toes in various ways to maintain an extended position. Most of the toes now no longer curl under. They are not perfect and skew a little to the side but they are functional. The main toes still need binding but they are improving each day. Tippy does have a habit of slipping out of his orthopaedic shoes and requires a new pair at least once each day. We are optimistic that she will be fine if we persevere.

 

 

There is now a new collective noun for a gaggle of ducks - “A lap of ducks” They run across the grass and leap into a spare lap, hunker down and go all quiet. Occasionally one or more will climb up your body to get under your chin or into an armpit. Jean's productivity has plummeted as a result of much time spent “bonding” with her babies.