Does my duck have a deformity or deficiency?

[LeahH]

@Miss Lydia @CoriM we got some vet wrap hobbles on her and I got the liquid b complex today! The hobbles seem to help her keep her legs closer together even though they aren't usually taught. It seems like, without the hobbles, when she walks she takes a few ok steps but then a couple wider steps throw her off. I'm really excited to hopefully see some good progess soon!

 

[CoriM]

How old are your girls? Do you know if they had adequate niacin during development, and do they get enough now? Those are the first things I would think on. I have two welsh and they are lighter weight birds. Mine haven't had any issues with their legs. I'm sorry you're struggling - it's so hard when our animals aren't doing well.

 

[A Renee]

How old are your girls? Do you know if they had adequate niacin during development, and do they get enough now? Those are the first things I would think on. I have two welsh and they are lighter weight birds. Mine haven't had any issues with their legs. I'm sorry you're struggling - it's so hard when our animals aren't doing well.

Thank you very much! Mine are about four months old. Pooh is the one who has walking issues and always has. I’ve made sure she’s had adequate niacin which is why I’m so confused.

 

[CoriM]

It's so hard to know with ducks - they have so many medical issues. Before I got mine I read a book about chickens and ducks and it said ducks were so much more hardy - ha, I just don't believe it!

 

[HeatherKellyB]

Hi there,
I also have two welsh duck sisters, and one of them has had issues since birth. It’s like safe dinosaur stomps when she walks, and sometimes limps. I’ve just been wondering lately if it’s the breed, maybe they are more susceptible to leg issues? I don’t know. I hate that they are having these issues! I hope yours is doing well.

Whenever she walks, are her feet wide apart like the duck in the video or are they crossing? Does she stand like the others? I think sometimes it just happens. The key is figuring out if it's treatable or if you just need to work on strengthing the ducks muscles. If it's been like this since hatch, it's definitely more difficult to say. How old is this duck now?

 

[LeahH]

If mine I would put her on liquid B complex
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/niacin-deficiency-in-waterfowl.1367557/
Even when feeding feed formulated for ducklings we can still have one come down with a niacin deficiency.
They sure are adorable.
@CoriM do you think this duckling would benefit from being hobbled?
@LeahH can you put a video up so we can see how she walks?
You'll have to put your video on youtube or another platform then copy and paste here.

Thanks for the response! I bought some nutritional yeast tonight. It was all I could find without waiting for something to come in the mail. I will try to get a video tomorrow after work. I am wondering if maybe she had just had a bit of a deficiency all along and is gradually getting worse and therefore more noticeable.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Let us know how it goes with her.

 

[LeahH]

Here is a link to a really short video:

They have only been outside a few days now and I don't trust letting them forage around the yard quiet yet so there's limited space for a video. I am just waiting for my husband to be available to help me get some hobbles on her.

 

[CoriM]

Yes, love the great report. I would just keep the hobbles going with her for several weeks until you're more than sure she's strong enough. Nice job!

 

[CoriM]

I think Miss Lydia is right - my memory is terrible!