6 week old chick can’t walk—wobbles and sits on hocks

[triphopchick]

I was open to trying anything because they were not improving and seemingly wasting away. It started with one baby then two and they looked like they were dying. I tried syringing water and electrolytes because they would not take food or water. I read that syringing them was not good. At first I didn't think it was niacin but a couple people mentioned it and I saw it online. I also went to tractor supply looking for something to perhaps treat a virus or bacterial infection and one of the workers mentioned she had been hearing about niacin deficiency in ducks. I was desperate and just tried it anyway even if the symptoms weren't exact. That had a sudden onset of not being able to walk or even stand up. I sprinkled a capsule into about 4-6 ounces of water and just kept on trying to present the bowl to the duckling until she started to take a few sips. She was so dehydrated and it took many many many tries to get her to drink. She would keep turning her head. When she finally took it, I would keep trying to get her to take sips every hour or two. I was shocked when after a couple days, she got the strength to stand. After she started taking some sips, I added feed to the niacin infused water. This was a period of about 3 days in my house. Slowly she got her strength back and I was able to release her back to her momma after she was able to fully walk and wasn't struggling. I had no idea what amount but I essentially opened the capsule and sprinkled a couple pinches in the water. I would say a half capsule for a gallon (and that might even be too much). But if you are going through this, just keep on it. Don't give up. I couldn't believe just a simple capsule of niacin powder in their water "fixed" these ailing ducklings. It took approximately 3-5 days of constant care for her to start getting better.

I don't know if niacin is the same as b3. The bottle I got was from Walmart, spring valley, niacin 500mg capsule dietary supplement.

Good luck.

I should add that I don't know if this works for chicks/chickens. Seems like a common duck issue.

 

[triphopchick]

I should add that I don't know if this works for chicks/chickens. Seems like a common duck issue.