Hey guys, I have just noticed my duckling (2 weeks old) cant walk properly! She tries to but ends up just falling over! One of her feet isnt spread out like it should be either and its all closed up! Does this sound like a niacin issue or maybe something more serious? No vets near me look at ducks so Im pretty worried about her, shes the only yellow duckling I have ever had and I really dont want anything to happen to her! Any advice would be great! I have seperated her from the others (which are doing perfectly ok) and supplimented her food with some niacin. Anything else I can do for her?
ERGENT , my ducky cant walk!
- Thread starter Oddyse
- Start date
good luck with the duckling, hope it gets better! Not sure how to help.
Aside from making sure she's got niacin, a safe comfortable place, right now paying some attention and noticing if anything else seems odd would be good. Also, just general immune system boosters to keep her as healthy as possible - vitamins, electrolytes, probiotics, etc. . .
Did she develop this problem, or has it been an issue from hatching?
Duckyfromoz has had some experience with leg and foot problems and their treatment. If it's a muscle or bone problem you may need to fashion a splint. Others at BYC have done this so you can find information with a search, or by posting a new topic.
Some TLC time will probably do you both some good.
Oh, and my ducks said to make sure she gets lots of treats.
Did she develop this problem, or has it been an issue from hatching?
Duckyfromoz has had some experience with leg and foot problems and their treatment. If it's a muscle or bone problem you may need to fashion a splint. Others at BYC have done this so you can find information with a search, or by posting a new topic.
Some TLC time will probably do you both some good.
Oh, and my ducks said to make sure she gets lots of treats.
- Thread starter
- #4
Aw thank you for all your help guys. She only developed it today! She was fine yesterday! Il give her loads of cuddles and treats and keep an eye on here. The immune system suppliments you mentioned, do you know exactly what im looking for to give her? Many thanks again guys
Some feed stores carry poultry vitamins and such - I got mine when I ordered my ducklings, from Meyer Hatchery. It's called Vitamins and Electrolytes "Plus." It's not the only brand available, though. If you ask for poultry vitamins they should know what you mean.
Sometimes people on the forum have used Pedialyte (I cannot remember if they use non flavored or which particular kind) for the eletrolytes. Some use a few tablespoons of plain yogurt - the kind with live cultures - in a cup of water for the probiotics. For niacin, you can get the capsules and dissolve the contents in the water - 100 to 150 mg of niacin per gallon of water.
Another thought: If the duck has eaten something toxic, you may want to give it charcoal (NOT the briquettes you cook with). You can find that at a drugstore. It absorbs toxins. The thing to remember is that it also absorbs niacin at least to some degree, so it's a balancing act. If the niacin makes the duck better, it's probably a deficiency and so the charcoal would not be much of a help. But if it's toxicity, then the charcoal would be more help than the niacin. If the duck is in the brooder all the time and you know it couldn't be that it's eaten something bad, then the niacin deficiency is more likely.
In any case, the vitamin mix will help the duck be stronger.
Sometimes people on the forum have used Pedialyte (I cannot remember if they use non flavored or which particular kind) for the eletrolytes. Some use a few tablespoons of plain yogurt - the kind with live cultures - in a cup of water for the probiotics. For niacin, you can get the capsules and dissolve the contents in the water - 100 to 150 mg of niacin per gallon of water.
Another thought: If the duck has eaten something toxic, you may want to give it charcoal (NOT the briquettes you cook with). You can find that at a drugstore. It absorbs toxins. The thing to remember is that it also absorbs niacin at least to some degree, so it's a balancing act. If the niacin makes the duck better, it's probably a deficiency and so the charcoal would not be much of a help. But if it's toxicity, then the charcoal would be more help than the niacin. If the duck is in the brooder all the time and you know it couldn't be that it's eaten something bad, then the niacin deficiency is more likely.
In any case, the vitamin mix will help the duck be stronger.
- Thread starter
- #6
upon further inspection I have noticed it is her left knee that seems to be the problem. It looks a bit swollen compared to the other knee. She tries to walk but she cant put any weight on it bless her. I have been giving her loads of treats and supplimenting her food with niacin, I have her some multivitiams on the way too. Guess I just have to wait and see if she recovers ok. I have no idea whats happened though, she couldnt have damaged it on anything. Its confused me.
Storey's Guide suggests that swollen joints are generally the result of a sprain or infection. In the case of a sprain, TLC and rest (I suppose that's relative) are recommended.
For an infection, I think you'd need to decide if you want to try topical ointment or get some antibiotic into his or her water. My usual first effort is topical - some of it does absorb through the skin. That's how I treat early mild bumblefoot.
For an infection, I think you'd need to decide if you want to try topical ointment or get some antibiotic into his or her water. My usual first effort is topical - some of it does absorb through the skin. That's how I treat early mild bumblefoot.
Another thing that can cause lameness is too much calcium, such as when layer rations are fed to immature birds.
- Thread starter
- #9
Well I led with my little ducky on a towel on my belly last night for about 3 hours! I have been supplimenting her food with niacin and she looks like she may be getting a little better. She is far from a full recovery and she still cant walk at all well, but she does seem to be getting a little better. Only time will tell now I guess. Thank you for all your help guys, you have a ll been great, thank you!
- Thread starter
- #10
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