Duckling Back Home

After 4 days anti inflammatory treatment and TLC, the injured duckling was returned home to the river today.

Was treated by the brood as if it had never been away. It's still only half the size of the rest of the brood but stands more of a chance with the improvement to the leg injury.

Pics show it getting back into the brood. 

Still not 100% and could take a long time to heal completely. I had to return it quickly to avoid rejection and also to make sure it was oiled by the mother and siblings. 

Ducklings need to be waterproofed by the mother for the first 3 weeks until their own oil gland kicks in. It was touch and go this morning, separated for a time and picked on by other ducks. It's a tough little character and I hope it survives. Short clip below having a bath and preen last night.