Day old Muscovy duckling leg deformity niacin supplement?

[Bluesamantha26]

So, I have done tons of research and I'm starting to believe my new incubator temp was barely too high intermittently throughout the incubation and it most likely caused one of my ducklings to have a leg deformity, one leg, toes curled and when he TRIES to walk it's on the top of his foot, always stretched out to the side. He had a major hard time hatching (externally piped head got stuck and it was scary but we made it through) I've barely slept in the past 2 days because the first and only other hatchling so far was 4 days early this one being the second (24 hrs later)has needed lots of care/watching over. I read niacin will help with this deformity and a splint ,so-to-speak, to flatten out his foot which I did by cutting out a baby duck foot shape out of cardboard and tiny bandaids which seems to be helping at least a little so far. I got niacin AND B12 supplements from Walmart but then read the article saying do NOT use flow-free? It won't help. so I'm now looking for fast alternative but I'm so lost on what I should give him and more importantly how MUCH. I also read the sooner this is treated the better he will be off and I love this little guy with all my heart already any help would be SO SO much appreciated!! Side note: scared about the other 5 eggs in the bator didn't see veins on three and veins on two with Some movement from one? Help

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm sorry to hear about your duckling.

Can you post some photos?

Hopefully those with duck experience can chime in with some suggestions.
@Quatie @Miss Lydia

 

[HollowOfWisps]

You are correct you do not want the flush free. Flush free slowly releases niacin and ducks digest so quickly that it will be process out of their system before they have a chance to absorb it. Do you have any farm stores near you? I use Rooster Booster's "Poultry Cell" for cases like this and it always does the trick (it is a liquid so more quickly absorbed, has niacin and many other vitamins).

 

[Quatie]

You are doing the right things for the curled toe. You might want to try something a little more ridgid than cardboard. I could see the cardboard getting soggy at some point. As long as it is working right now, I wouldn't change it right now. But you can try a cut out from something like a plastic lid or container if it becomes a problem.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

I also wanted to add that painters tape works great for making duckling boots. It comes off without hurting their skin, provides enough support and all you have to do is cut a small piece, lay the ducklings foot on the stick side and then fold it over and gently press it together.

 

[Bluesamantha26]

His left foot wasn't as bad, I tried the cardboard for a while but it wasn't helping without leg supports so I tried little rubber bands and a plastic connector used in making kid friendship bracelets from Walmart and it was helping but not the right distance apart for his legs, too wide still, used the same tiny bandaids to secure is legs the right distance apart and it did the trick! He is walking and even trying to run to keep up with his bigger sister or brother. Can get to food and water fine now. Whew! Also I got this from a feed store not far from where I live and been putting 2-3 drops/day in a cap of water for him to drink started yesterday ( he drinks the regular water in-between don't think he likes the taste so much ) I hope this all works for him, I can't help but feel horrible because I know I did something wrong for this to happen. I believe the temp got too high In my incubator and caused the early hatch and since I didn't see the first external pip while getting the egg Turner out for lockdown I think the other babies all got shrink wrapped but I can't bring myself to do anything with the other eggs yet. They are still in the bator.

 

[Quatie]

His left foot wasn't as bad, I tried the cardboard for a while but it wasn't helping without leg supports so I tried little rubber bands and a plastic connector used in making kid friendship bracelets from Walmart and it was helping but not the right distance apart for his legs, too wide still, used the same tiny bandaids to secure is legs the right distance apart and it did the trick! He is walking and even trying to run to keep up with his bigger sister or brother. Can get to food and water fine now. Whew! Also I got this from a feed store not far from where I live and been putting 2-3 drops/day in a cap of water for him to drink started yesterday ( he drinks the regular water in-between don't think he likes the taste so much ) I hope this all works for him, I can't help but feel horrible because I know I did something wrong for this to happen. I believe the temp got too high In my incubator and caused the early hatch and since I didn't see the first external pip while getting the egg Turner out for lockdown I think the other babies all got shrink wrapped but I can't bring myself to do anything with the other eggs yet. They are still in the bator.

That is great to hear that the guy is already starting to walk better.

The vitamin b complex should help. I have not put it in water before. Usually I give them a 1ml of it either orally or you can put it on a treat. But with that small in it's water is best.

Something you can also do, is scramble some duck eggs. The yolk has great nutrients in it for ducklings. It can help some that are struggling in the beginning.