Wood Duck duckling suddenly has crooked neck.

First, let me start by explaining how I came about this duckling. I am a volunteer and board member of a local parrot rescue (I have three parrots of my own). We received a message via Facebook about two found ducklings, where the mother was presumed dead.

I explained that we (the shelter) do not take any wild birds, etc...only parrots. However, I personally would take them and raise them to give them a chance at life.

I got them both last Monday (5/31). As soon as I saw the two, I knew one of them would not survive. He seemed splay-legged and would tip over. We kept him comfortable over night, but he passed away before morning.

The surviving duck, which we will call Ducky, has been doing great. He eats his food, drinks water, and plays around. He has imprinted on me already and follows me, well...like a duckling to a momma duck.

He swims really well too, of course. He was fine this morning when I left for work. But when I got home, I noticed he looked 'crooked'. He walks around a little different. His left leg kicks out a lot when he tries to swim.

Can anyone give me any ideas??

This is when I got him:

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These were taken June 5th.




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These were taken today, June 7th.



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I will not be much help. Maybe a crop thing or a nerve thing. Does he move his head around? Or his neck?
I had a baby Cayuga eat chips like that bedding, he choked and we lost him at about that size.

Your pictures are freaking adorable, (that sweet ducky smile) I wish mine were that nice.

Sounds like thee start of rye neck

I had done a lot of research and also thought it was pointing to the start of Rye Neck. It is weird, because he was perfectly fine when I left for work and then was 'crooked' when I got home 9 hours later. I found other posts and figured I wasn't giving him enough niacin in his water. I was doing 50mg in half a gallon, but he never drinks it all, of course.

After researching more and finding what other people did in similar situations, I rushed out to the nearest CVS and purchased a stronger dose of Niacin (capsules) for his water, Poly-Vi-Sol (without Iron), and Vitamin E softgels. I also ordered some Brewer's Yeast powder to put on his food. I gave him his first 'dose' last night, which was not easy. I felt so bad trying to force him to take it, but I only want to help him.

He is eating the following food: NUTRENA NATURE WISE CHICK STARTER GROWER FEED

I only have a Tractor Supply and Fleet Farm in my area (Fargo/Moorhead). Does anyone have a good website that I can purchase better food?

Thanks!

Casey B.

whitewingduck said:

I will not be much help. Maybe a crop thing or a nerve thing. Does he move his head around? Or his neck?
I had a baby Cayuga eat chips like that bedding, he choked and we lost him at about that size.

Your pictures are freaking adorable, (that sweet ducky smile) I wish mine were that nice.

Click to expand...

That is a good thought. I have not seen him eat the bedding, but maybe he is. I will look into something else to use.

And yes, the pictures are cute! I love his/her little smile.

Update: I have found the correct food to feed little ducky and have ordered some.

Never feed chicken food to waterfowl, especially babies! The best is made by Mazuri feeds, called Waterfowl Starter. That, and some dried meal worms are all they need. Occasionally live meal worms are fun, but they are 100 times as expensive. Buy the mealworms in large sacks at Lowes, or on Amazon....
BK