- Jul 19, 2014
- 10
- 0
- 22
I have white pekin duck, about 8 months old. a few days ago he and my female mallard became startled and went to run, when my pekin duck tripped and fell down. since then he has been limping and falling down a lot. he seems to do well in the tub of water, which usually room temperature. he is eating, but very little. he seems to be in pain when he attempts to walk, and lifts his feet up, one at a time, and holds them up for a moment before placing them back on the floor. I have not yet moved the ducks outdoors, so they are usually running loose in a room set up for them, or at night for bed only, in a nest box, which is cleaned daily. they both take "baths" one or two times daily, and have access to food and water throughout the day. I use chick starter, though had planned to change over once this bag was finished to the adult foods. My husband and I have been researching these symptoms as best as we can online, as I have not been able to locate a Vet close enough to us that will treat ducks, to find out more information. At first I thought he perhaps sprained his foot, as I could see no visible signs of broken bones or skin to indicated a major injury to either leg. His right leg, however, has a small amount of swelling just above the foot and at the top of the middle toe. the left foot shows no signs of swelling or injury, at all. We read where a niacin deficiency can cause weakness in the legs, and have since began using Nutri-Drench vitamins in his water, and will be getting him some food supplements as well. His food conists, in addition to the starter feed for chicks and ducklings, fresh spinach leaves, carrots, and occassionally kale or mixed greens, and grasses for their daily outdoor time, as i have been attempting to prepare them for outdoor living. they are not given anything with salt, though we give them unsalted crackers as a treat from time to time. the mallard duck shows none of the same symptoms, and she is seemingly healthy and full of normal movement and life. My pekin duck (Aflac), however, has been struggling for almost 3 days, and what I thought may be just injury, now has me a little more worried, given the research on illnesses i have been reading.
If, anyone can suggest anything which I might try, I would be grateful, as my ducks are much the same as my kids to me, and a loss of either one would be heartbreaking, especially if it were due to my ignorance in providing proper care or nutrition.
Sypmtoms (list):
weakness in legs, with a slight turning inward of his feet and legs
unable to run or move quickly
not eating as much normal, though drinking fine
instability in walking or attempting stand up
Normal behaviors continuing to show:
swims in water, bathes/cleans feathers
ducks head under water and ruffles feathers in the water
still attempts to stretch out and flap wings (loses balance when he does)
he attempts to walk around, though slowly and often falling down onto his chest/stomach
until yesterday,he was still attempting to mate w my female
he still stands fine, but falls when he moves or runs
again, he had shown no signs of illness or injury prior to the tripping incident a few days ago, and since then has maintained instability in walking, after limping for 24 hours. Again, any help or advice would be greatly appreciated by me and my husband, as we are very concerned this may be related to something more than a minor injury to his foot. Thank you so much, in advance for any and all help.
Most Sincerely,
BrittanySC
If, anyone can suggest anything which I might try, I would be grateful, as my ducks are much the same as my kids to me, and a loss of either one would be heartbreaking, especially if it were due to my ignorance in providing proper care or nutrition.
Sypmtoms (list):
weakness in legs, with a slight turning inward of his feet and legs
unable to run or move quickly
not eating as much normal, though drinking fine
instability in walking or attempting stand up
Normal behaviors continuing to show:
swims in water, bathes/cleans feathers
ducks head under water and ruffles feathers in the water
still attempts to stretch out and flap wings (loses balance when he does)
he attempts to walk around, though slowly and often falling down onto his chest/stomach
until yesterday,he was still attempting to mate w my female
he still stands fine, but falls when he moves or runs
again, he had shown no signs of illness or injury prior to the tripping incident a few days ago, and since then has maintained instability in walking, after limping for 24 hours. Again, any help or advice would be greatly appreciated by me and my husband, as we are very concerned this may be related to something more than a minor injury to his foot. Thank you so much, in advance for any and all help.
Most Sincerely,
BrittanySC
