Duck Can't walk and stand for too long.

[OmegaQuacker]

Hello There.

About a month ago I got a pair of Pekin Ducklings. At first, they we both fine and healthy. However, one of them was always a bit smaller than the other. So now they're around two months old and the small one has been having issues lately. About a week ago, she couldn't stand or walk for long periods of time. Her quacking tone indicated that she was in pain. So I took her to the vet and he gave me a few medicines to put in their feed. Initially there were signs of recovery. I made her exercise by taking them both on walks. She even began to run after me. But just today, she couldn't stand anymore. She just sat there in the grass, was visibly shaking and now her feathers are somewhat getting thinner. I don't exactly know how to explain this but the feathers have gone black, there are black spots on the skin (probably the cause of black feathers) and her wings are missing feathers as well. You can see her skin beneath the wings She's become visibly thinner, very thin indeed and today when she just gave up on standing on her feet, I thought she's gonna die and out the two back in their house. But at night when I went back to feed them she was standing perfectly good, although she was quite vocal and her quacks suggested she was in a bit of pain as well. What's strange, is that the other healthy duck is showing similar symptoms on its feathers. I'm thinking of separating the two for the time being.

The Doctor told me her legs had gone weak due to a Niacin Deficiency. Now I'm starting to feel he might have had a wrong diagnosis. Could the feathers be changing their appearance due to a lack on swimming? I haven't lately been able to give them a swim. Her tummy also seems soggy and wet at times. Her tone has also changed. I've been doing some research on this lately, and as a result, have been changing their diet to a more Niacin rich diet. Though they really do like to eat Palettes and Grass.

I'll keep everyone updated here as the situation develops. But I'd still like some opinions and expert advice as to what possibly might be happening.

Thank You.

 

[Kevin565]

Welcome to BYC!

What feed is she currently on?

I personally agree with you vet. At this point I would give Niacin in addition to adding some poultry vitamins/electrolytes.

I would also suggest letting her swim as often as possible. This will help her gain some strength in her legs again.

Have you checked her oil gland for any issues?

 

[Amiga]

Can you look very closely? Are there mites?

 

[OmegaQuacker]

Hello There again.

Firstly, sorry for not replying earlier. I am sick myself and simultaneously taking care of the ducks as well.

Secondly, so I took both of them to the Vet again. He put them on some new medication which definitely helped. She's walking again thankfully and the medication is supposed to last till she gets better. It was definitely a Niacin Deficiency. I now make both of them go through some walking exercise which they seem to be getting a liking of. Changed their feed to a more Nutritious one, with a greater Niacin percentage. Cleaning their bedding twice a day and making sure they don't sit in wet places. About the fur, the Vet said its just new fur appearing and nothing to worry about. I was greatly concerned about the weight loss of the sick duck, so as a resultant I changed the feed as stated earlier.

About the oil glands, she was quite dry today so probably its good. But I'll still have a look at it just to be on the safe side.

All in all, the duck seems to be showing good and healthy signs. Again, thank you for the responses you gave. I'm greatly thankful to you guys. Any suggestions put forward and I'll definitely try to implement them.

 

[Amiga]