Crazy duckling?

[Ngarvi01]

My husband found a duckling in a marina the other day. After searching for its family for over two hours, no duck family could be found so he brought the duck home hoping we could raise it until it's bigger and release it back. We've had it 4 days, and at first it seemed fine. It's in an outdoor pond during the day, and we keep it in a laundry basket inside during the night. It's been eating baby bird formula and oatmeal, plus whatever it eats while outside, bugs, grass, etc. today I noticed it is walking backwards, and seems to be a little crazy? Hard to describe, other than it's walking backwards, and seems less social. We've never had ducks before, and not sure of proper care. Any thoughts? Perhaps This is normal duck behavior, I don't know. Just seems different than it was a few days ago. Thanks for your help.

 

[Kevin565]

What is the baby bird feed you are using? This doesn't sound like normal behavior to me. I would also start Niacin supplements.

 

[Kevin565]

Also, Welcome to BYC!

 

[Ngarvi01]

 

[Ngarvi01]

That is the bird food I'm using. What is niacin, and where do I find it?

 

[Smurfbrew]

That is the bird food I'm using. What is niacin, and where do I find it?

That's so kind of you to help this lost little one. Niacin is a B vitamin and is very important for baby ducks. Without enough they can develop neurological issues. It can be found in brewer's or nutritional yeast, both found at the local health food store. Or you could get niacin pills and crush them up in his food. It has to be plain though, not time release, not no flush, just plain. Also, how small is he? Are you keeping him warm? Most ducklings need a heat lamp for the first few weeks, so I don't know if keeping outdoors during the day is the best. And it might be lonely too. A mirror and a stuffed animal to cuddle might benefit his spirit.

 

[Ngarvi01]

 

[Ngarvi01]

Here's a pic of ducky in its laundry basket. I have no idea how old it is, but it seems pretty young to me. I have a mirror, but I'll have to locate a plush friend thanks for telling me about the brewers yeast. I actually have some! I am a breastfeeding mama, and it helps me with my supply, so I sprinkled some in the ducky's dish. I don't have a heat lamp or anything for it, but it's been in the mid 80s here recently, so it's been warm. The duck is still acting strange today, keeps walking and swimming backwards, even as it bumps into things, it keeps trying to go backwards. I hope we can keep it healthy, we are really trying our best for this little creature!

 

[co10z]

He looks quite small u should use a heat lamp or something to keep him warm. Its a good thing ur done taking it in
Maby there is some issue neurologically that could be why he waz alone all u can do is keep up with the foodand suplaments and see what happens

 

[Smurfbrew]

Here's a pic of ducky in its laundry basket. I have no idea how old it is, but it seems pretty young to me. I have a mirror, but I'll have to locate a plush friend

thanks for telling me about the brewers yeast. I actually have some! I am a breastfeeding mama, and it helps me with my supply, so I sprinkled some in the ducky's dish. I don't have a heat lamp or anything for it, but it's been in the mid 80s here recently, so it's been warm. The duck is still acting strange today, keeps walking and swimming backwards, even as it bumps into things, it keeps trying to go backwards. I hope we can keep it healthy, we are really trying our best for this little creature!

So glad you had the brewer's yeast. If that is what he's lacking you should see some improvement in a few days. I would continue to add it to his food for 10- 12 weeks though, it's good insurance for healthy ducks. The basket set up looks good, but your duck might be a little cold though. Drafts are dangerous, and even if you don't have a heat lamp, a desk lamp will put out some heat. If you have one that clips on, you could clip it on the top edge of the basket and point it down so he has a pool of warmer light to sit in. Also, when you let his swim remember to dry him off afterwards. he looks less than a week old and at that age they can't regulate body temp that well. Being wet can give them the chills easily. Now here's hoping for some improvement soon!