Crooked neck in ducklings possibly getting worse

[Ughmargo]

hi everyone! So this is my first year with ducklings, I brought home two lil ducklings (which I believe are pekin) who are about a month old now, maybe a little less. They are currently living inside still in my make shift brooder area for them because it has been dumping rain and snow where I live. They have been completely fine and healthy the whole time, they come outside with me regularly to swim and play in the garden and they eat a good amount too. I have been noticing for a bout a week and a half now that one of my ducklings has been holding its head sideways more and more often lately. Tonight I heard some awful cries and chirp so I ran into go check and she had fallen over onto her back and couldn't get back up. I had to help her up and she was very shaken up. Is this something I should be concerned about or is this normal? I will attach some pictures and a video to show what I mean. Thank you everyone in advance for any help or advice I am eager to learn everything I can! ❤

 

[Isaac 0]

It is not normal for the head to be at such a constant angulation; frequently with ducklings, especially meat birds, this can be due to a vitamin deficit, most often of thiamine, or vitamin E. You could try starting on those two vitamins and note whether there is an improvement or not.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/nutri-drench-poultry-4-oz
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Nature-s...KmpAyxgIDVlbNdKVSB0aAqPNEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Ducks sometimes will fall over, but if you notice more frequency, and the vitamins don't fix it there could be a neurological problem at play.

 

[Ughmargo]

It is not normal for the head to be at such a constant angulation; frequently with ducklings, especially meat birds, this can be due to a vitamin deficit, most often of thiamine, or vitamin E. You could try starting on those two vitamins and note whether there is an improvement or not.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/nutri-drench-poultry-4-oz
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Nature-s...KmpAyxgIDVlbNdKVSB0aAqPNEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Ducks sometimes will fall over, but if you notice more frequency, and the vitamins don't fix it there could be a neurological problem at play.

 

[Ughmargo]

Thank you so much for the advice! Do you have any recommendations on how much should be given daily? And also should I give it to both of them or just the one

 

[Ughmargo]

It is not normal for the head to be at such a constant angulation; frequently with ducklings, especially meat birds, this can be due to a vitamin deficit, most often of thiamine, or vitamin E. You could try starting on those two vitamins and note whether there is an improvement or not.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/nutri-drench-poultry-4-oz
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Nature-s...KmpAyxgIDVlbNdKVSB0aAqPNEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Ducks sometimes will fall over, but if you notice more frequency, and the vitamins don't fix it there could be a neurological problem at play.

Hi thank you so much for your advice I will go get them vitamens this evening! I was wondering if you had any advice on how much to give them and how often? Also should I give it to both of them or just the lil crooked one?

 

[Isaac 0]

Hi thank you so much for your advice I will go get them vitamens this evening! I was wondering if you had any advice on how much to give them and how often? Also should I give it to both of them or just the lil crooked one?

You're welcome!

How much to give depends on what kind of product you're using - if you're getting the Nutri-Dench suggested above, dose 1ml per three pounds, once a day, over the bird's favorite treat.

The anecdotal dose for vitamin E 400iu soft gels is one capsule daily over treats.
This would only have to be administered to the duckling with the tilted head.