duck disease? vitamin deficiency?

[duckduckquack]

Hey all! I got six little ducklings about a week ago and they were all fine and growing until yesterday we noticed one was pigeon toed and stumbling, and another today. They also seem to be rocking their heads back and forth. I thought maybe it was a niacin deficiency, but have been adding nutritional yeast to their food since I got them, and also I haven't found anything in my research about this head movement being related to niacin. These two stopped eating and drinking, so I've been trying to force feed them nutritional yeast and crushed mealworms in water in a dropper. It won't let me attach a video, but they've been bobbing their heads for hours and I'm worried they'll die of exhaustion, or something else. Would love any advice or input. Thanks!

 

[fatty and friends]

what breed are they? are they crested? what are you feeding them?

 

[duckduckquack]

I'm not sure their breed. I got them at Tractor Supply and it just said "Assorted Ducks". They are not crested. Feeding them bird starter, it has niacin in the ingredients and I've been adding nutritional yeast everyday. I added mealworms to their diet today, because I read that they contain niacin as well. One of them is definitely getting worse, has been banging their beak into the floor.

 

[Kiki]

I'm not sure their breed. I got them at Tractor Supply and it just said "Assorted Ducks". They are not crested. Feeding them bird starter, it has niacin in the ingredients and I've been adding nutritional yeast everyday. I added mealworms to their diet today, because I read that they contain niacin as well. One of them is definitely getting worse, has been banging their beak into the floor.

Pictures of the feed bag you are using.
You have to upload the video to YouTube first then link it here.

 

[fatty and friends]

“bird starter” might be the problem, all birds don’t have the same diet

 

[Kiki]

@Isaac 0 You busy?

@duckduckquack Can you please show us the feed bag?

 

[duckduckquack]

@Isaac 0 You busy?

@duckduckquack Can you please show us the

 

[AprilsZoo]

Although that chick starter does have niacin in it, I’m pretty sure it’s not enough for ducklings. If I’m remembering right, they need 55-70mg each every day. (Up to 100mg, temporarily, if treating a specific problem)
(@Isaac 0, is that right? Please correct me if it’s not.)

The nutritional yeast you mentioned is good to use as a supplemental source but by mixing it into dry feed, maybe they aren’t all getting an equal share. You could try wetting the feed/yeast mixture after you’ve stirred them together dry— that would prevent the yeast from possibly separating out and ending up being eaten by some more than others. Do make sure you are measuring out the proper amount to add & not just sprinkling a random amount.

Honestly, I don’t know if their symptoms are indicative of a niacin deficiency or not. My gut feeling is that a lack of niacin alone doesn’t account for everything you are seeing.

If you think they need an immediate energy boost, try giving them a few drops of sugar water or honey water. [1 part sugar/honey to 3 parts water]

Nutri-drench is another quick way to give them a boost — just a couple of drops, full-strength can help a lot.

{edit to correct how much niacin is needed for maintenance vs. treatment}

 

[Isaac 0]

The video would be helpful to see.
Could you answer a few additional questions -

What is the temperature in their brooder?
Have you given the ducklings any cold water?
Are they producing droppings, if so, could you post pictures?
Is there anything you changed the day their condition took a turn for the worst?

Bobbing, and ataxia are often indicative of hypothermia in many cases, but it can also point towards a few other conditions - it is very hard to suggest the exact problem online, so any more information you think may be helpful please do mention.

If you do not have an adequately warm spot provided, please do so, and maintain a temperature near 85F, or higher accounting for the anorexia occurring. If the ducklings are reluctant to eat or drink, try mashing up some scrambled eggs in your hand, and dip their bills to see if they will try any. Ducklings will aspirate easily on feed if it is force-fed directly into their mouth. If you have any electrolytes on hand, you can try warming that up and offering it to them as well.

 

[Isaac 0]

Although that chick starter does have niacin in it, I’m pretty sure it’s not enough for ducklings. If I’m remembering right, they need 100mg each every day.
(@Isaac 0, is that right? Please correct me if it’s not.)

I think some use that as a guideline for how much they need when treating, but for preventing the problem 55mg of niacin per kilo of feed is adequate for most ducks breeds/ with larger heavyweight breeds 70mg of niacin per kilo is recommended until they reach ten weeks.