Duck can’t walk

[Silkiechicken66]

I went to put my ducks up and one hen just can not walk. She was throwing herself around with her wings, but her legs were just sprawled behind her. She can put pressure on her feet and they don’t seem to hurt, so that’s not the issue. I’m afraid something happened to her back or similar. I don’t know how to post a video but it’s bad.

 

[Silkiechicken66]

I went to put my ducks up and one hen just can not walk. She was throwing herself around with her wings, but her legs were just sprawled behind her. She can put pressure on her feet and they don’t seem to hurt, so that’s not the issue. I’m afraid something happened to her back or similar. I don’t know how to post a video but it’s bad.

Someone in one of my duck groups mentioned it could be a niacin deficiency. She eats duck specific food, so I’m not sure why that would be an issue. But how could I add more to her diet?

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

How old is your duck?
Pictures please!

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Where are you located? Is it hot where you are?
One of my White Layer ducks had the same symptoms after a very hot summer day last year. Her legs were stretched out behind her and she was laying on her belly, panting heavily.
I sat her down in a bowl with tap cold water and offered her some meal-worms. She ate the treats and i knew she would make it and after about one hour in the cold water she was able to move her legs again.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Does your duck's condition look like this:

If yes, she may be suffering from heat-cramps.

 

[Silkiechicken66]

How old is your duck?
Pictures please!

I’m not sure how old she is. Got her as an adult. I am in Oklahoma, and it’s only been around 60 degrees today. I have her inside in a quiet cool area of the house with some water and scrambled eggs. She still isn’t walking, but she’s not as panicked and flailing like she was earlier. (Sorry for the awkward photo, she’d only hold still on the sofa.)

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

That sounds like poisoning or an infection, let us get some attention from other members:
@casportpony @Miss Lydia @WVduckchick
Do you have some of the following at hand:

• Activated charcoal
• Fish Mox (Amoxicillin)
• Milk Thistle

You can buy the charcoal and the Milk Thistle at CVS or Walgreens, the Fish Mox should be available at your local farm store. The easiest way to apply this to a duck (imho!) is through pills: How give a pill to a duck
Limpy duck, a young drake had a similar issue in Summer 2018, suspected botulism infection, and we pampered him up with this stuff: Limpy Treatment
Apart from his limp he made a full recovery.

 

[Silkiechicken66]

That sounds like poisoning or an infection, let us get some attention from other members:
@casportpony @Miss Lydia @WVduckchick
Do you have some of the following at hand:

• Activated charcoal
• Fish Mox (Amoxicillin)
• Milk Thistle

You can buy the charcoal and the Milk Thistle at CVS or Walgreens, the Fish Mox should be available at your local farm store. The easiest way to apply this to a duck (imho!) is through pills: How give a pill to a duck
Limpy duck, a young drake had a similar issue in Summer 2018, suspected botulism infection, and we pampered him up with this stuff: Limpy Treatment
Apart from his limp he made a full recovery.

I don’t have any of that, but I’m running errands today and getting some activated charcoal while I’m out!

 

[Silkiechicken66]

I wasn’t able to find any activated charcoal while I was out, but I go into the city area tomorrow. She’s doing better, like standing and swam a little in my tub. She laid an egg even! She can’t walk a ton without falling still.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Forget about the charcoal, she has already begun to dispose of whatever toxin she swallowed through her kidneys. Just continue what you are doing, keep her well hydrated, make sure that she eats and poops.
Good sign that she laid an egg, she is clearly coming around.
Still no clue what was causing this. Do you have any poisonous caterpillars around in OK?