Ducklings with shaky legs

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TwoDogFarm

TwoDogFarm

Songster
6 Years
Jun 16, 2014
281
19
126
North Carolina
I have four Indian Runner females that are 4 weeks old. I've noticed over the past couple of weeks, they are having problems with shaky legs. They will be standing fine and then their legs will shake and they will lose their balance and sit down.

I've thought it might be due to a Niacin deficiency but I have been giving them Brewers Yeast since we got them at three days old--one tablespoon to one cup of food. Since I have noticed the problem I have also been dissolving a half a Niacin tablet (no flush) in a gallon of water. They still seem to be having issues.

Could we have another deficiency or issue that we need to address? Or does someone have any other advice? Thanks.
 
I can't really think of what could be causing this. I'd try giving them some electrolyte tablets in their water as well and let them have some time in swimming and see if that helps.
 
I don't think its a niacin problem. When my duckling had that issue he wouldn't even try to stand by himself. I had to push him to get him moving. Also their toes point inward if they need niacin.
 
I was just reading in Storey's Guide to raising ducks and one reason for legs that tremble is dietary dif of calcium:phosphorus imbalance but that is usually from feeding layer rations to young ducklings. he does rec putting a vitamin/mineral supplement in their drinking water. and using Brewers yeast 2-3 cups per 10lbs of fed.
 
Kevin565 said:
What feed are they currently on?
Click to expand...


They are eating Dumor's Chick starter/grower with the Brewer's Yeast I've been adding to it.

I gave them Vitamin/electrolyte powder in their water for the first two weeks they were here before I switched to Niacin only.

@Miss Lydia how can I get them more calcium: phosphorus?
 
TwoDogFarm said:
They are eating Dumor's Chick starter/grower with the Brewer's Yeast I've been adding to it.

I gave them Vitamin/electrolyte powder in their water for the first two weeks they were here before I switched to Niacin only.

@Miss Lydia how can I get them more calcium: phosphorus?
Click to expand...
I think giving Metzers a call might be best. You don't want to give them more calcium but maybe they need something they aren't getting in their feed and in the book it just said feeding birds a high calcium laying ration can cause this. but you aren't so other than what he suggested mixing a vitamin /mineral supplement in the drinking water and didn't really elaborate on what kind to use or feeding Brewers yeast will often correct the problem he says the feed should be 1%calcium and phosphorus. didn't you have them on Poultry Nurti drench at one time? Maybe try that along with BY? I still think since you got them from Metzers you should talk to them everyone I have read who has contacted them say they are wonderful to help.
 
Last edited:
following the thread... I noticed my lil one doing this the other day and would love to know what to do. Sorry I can't help... I'm all new to this.
 

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