Desperate New Duck Mom!!! HELP!

[Rommy]

I really need some advice folks. I work at Tractor Supply and of course you all know we sell baby chicks, ducks, keets, etc. Came to work this morning and a little duckling was in a tub in the back where we keep the weaker ones or those who are sickly to attempt and give them time to gain strength apart from the hoard of little ones in the sale area. This little baby was all by itself and flipped up on it's back. He/she cannot gain traction on it's feet without toppling over. I finally took it and put it in my vest pocket. He/she was strong enough to try and climb out of my pocket. I brought him/her home and now have it under the heat lamp that was over my guinea's. He/she is a fighter; but have no clue what to do to help this little one sustain life. I dipped the tip of it's bill in some water and it seemed to take in a little. He/she is now in a box under the heat lamp and probably exhausted from all the excitement of going around in my pocket and being so alert, to being transfered to a small box only to be transfered to a bigger box, it is in now. Really want to help this little one. Does anyone have a clue why it may not be able to stand or stay upright and how do I help to make certain he/she is getting proper nourishment? PLEASE HELP!!! Thanks,

 

[Knighstar679]

That’s usually a sign of niacin need. I would start it on the liquid b complex that tsc sells in the cattle isle. A total of 1 ml a day. You can mix it with food over treats, or put small drops along the bill. You don’t have to get all 1 ml in it at once but can space it through out the day.

Also pictures and videos of the issue can help too.

 

[Rommy]

That’s usually a sign of niacin need. I would start it on the liquid b complex that tsc sells in the cattle isle. A total of 1 ml a day. You can mix it with food over treats, or put small drops along the bill. You don’t have to get all 1 ml in it at once but can space it through out the day.

Also pictures and videos of the issue can help too.

Thank you so much! Will get the niacin and start it on it! It is really mostly resting right now but as soon as he/she becomes a little more active I will get a video and attempt to post it. Again, thanks ever so much!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Looks to be crested which means there could be neurological issues. I would def start the Liquid BComplex and being you are a TSC employee your right there where the best one is Durvet injectable but we use it orally, since it’s so tiny I’d try and give it some drops by mouth just inside it’s Bill Let it swallow an do it again. Once up on its feet better go to Hal a ml over its feed just small amount of feed so it gets the whole dose. Too little for mealworms which is a ducks fav treat unless you crush them up. Please let us know how this little one is doing and bless you for caring!

 

[Rommy]

Thank you so much! Will get the niacin and start it on it! It is really mostly resting right now but as soon as he/she becomes a little more active I will get a video and attempt to post it. Again, thanks ever so much!

Looks to be crested which means there could be neurological issues. I would def start the Liquid BComplex and being you are a TSC employee your right there where the best one is Durvet injectable but we use it orally, since it’s so tiny I’d try and give it some drops by mouth just inside it’s Bill Let it swallow an do it again. Once up on its feet better go to Hal a ml over its feed just small amount of feed so it gets the whole dose. Too little for mealworms which is a ducks fav treat unless you crush them up. Please let us know how this little one is doing and bless you for caring!

Thanks! Have to go to the nearest town to get the Vit B; we are out at our store. Is it okay to use 20% starter with the duck; I have 24% for my keets but we are out of 24% right now.
It's crazy right now and everyone wants to be stocked up. So thankful for the great advice you all are giving. Will def. keep you posted and post a video of the little one as soon as I get a good one. He/ she is moving around somewhat in the box I have it in. Using pine shavings; the flakes as I have done with my keets and hens when they were chicks. If I dip it's bill in water it takes some in and if I hold it over the feed it attempts to take some food; so it's proving it is fighting. Really hope this little one makes it. Girl or Boy it will have an appropriate name if it pulls through all of this!!!

 

[quackiemama]

Bless you for trying to help this little one! And for going to work everyday during this craziness

 

[Knighstar679]

If you can get the Naturewise by Nutrena that would likely be the best for it unless you carry duck pellets. It is 18% protein but works fantastic for ducks and chicks

 

[Miss Lydia]

Also with the difficulty this little one is having right now I’d put it on a towel so it can get some traction the shaving can be under but the shavings will probably be to slick right now.

 

[Rommy]

Also with the difficulty this little one is having right now I’d put it on a towel so it can get some traction the shaving can be under but the shavings will probably be to slick right now.

Got the Vitamin B and some electrolytes and vitamins. He/she is a little fighter...I have to hold it up to the water dish; but it will drink water very well when I do. I let it get the liquid B off the dropper and it did well. He/she will drink and attempt to eat as long as I hold him/her steady at the dishes; and it is attempting to eat crumbs even when lying on it's side on the towel (yes, I did take your advice on that! ) This alone shows me he/she has some spunk and fight. Just praying he/she starts getting some strength. How often should I make certain he/she eats and drinks something... I want to give it time to rest under the heat lamp as well. I know little ones need their sleep too. any input is very much appreciated. Uploaded a video to you tube; will try to upload it in a few. Thanks again!

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

I would offer it food and water at least every hour.