Duck tripping over toes and can't walk

[Mandarin28]

Hi, I have a pekin duck who's about 2 months old. As of yesterday he has barely been walking. When he walks its almost as if he is not picking up his right leg because he drags his foot and his toes curl right under his foot and then he trips and falls. They get Purina duck food and they like to either the hens layer feed when they can get to it. I have been feeding them pumpkin here and there and just started giving them scratch. Yesterday they got a gallon of the probiotic mix. There are no injuries that I can see. I felt around for warm spots and his joint on the top of the right leg is a slight bit warmer than the other but it does not feel swollen. I am at a loss and feel bad watching him struggle so any help will be appreciated!

 

[Eggcessive]

Do you feed extra niacin or B complex for leg health? I’m not a duck expert, but niacin deficiency should be ruled out. Hopefully, @Isaac 0 or @Miss Lydia will chime in with thoughts.

 

[Miss Lydia]

@Mandarin28 Sounds like your Pekin may have a niacin deficiency. I know Purina duck pellets have niacin but even then some ducks and Pekins are at the top of the list since they grow very fast can still have a niacin deficiency. Do not feed anything other than their duck pellets right now and try and keep them out of the hen's layer feed. Layer isn't something they need at their age. It's for laying birds. What I rec and many of us have used it with great success is getting some liquid B complex TSC carries one called Durvet it will say injectable but we use it orally. You can put 1 ml over a small amount of treat so your duck gets the full amount. Give this every day until you see full recovery it may take a week or longer before you see improvement but if it is a niacin def it will improve. If I had Pekins they would continue to get some form of niacin all their lives since they get heavy and it's hard on their legs. But right now you need the liquid B complex ASAP. If niacin def isn't treated it can cause complete lameness and death eventually.
Please keep us updated on your Pekin and if you have any questions.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/niacin-deficiency-in-waterfowl.1367557/

 

[Mandarin28]

@Mandarin28 Sounds like your Pekin may have a niacin deficiency. I know Purina duck pellets have niacin but even then some ducks and Pekins are at the top of the list since they grow very fast can still have a niacin deficiency. Do not feed anything other than their duck pellets right now and try and keep them out of the hen's layer feed. Layer isn't something they need at their age. It's for laying birds. What I rec and many of us have used it with great success is getting some liquid B complex TSC carries one called Durvet it will say injectable but we use it orally. You can put 1 ml over a small amount of treat so your duck gets the full amount. Give this every day until you see full recovery it may take a week or longer before you see improvement but if it is a niacin def it will improve. If I had Pekins they would continue to get some form of niacin all their lives since they get heavy and it's hard on their legs. But right now you need the liquid B complex ASAP. If niacin def isn't treated it can cause complete lameness and death eventually.
Please keep us updated on your Pekin and if you have any questions.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/niacin-deficiency-in-waterfowl.1367557/

Thank you very much! I will go get this tomorrow after work. I will also try to keep the chicken food away. Will keep everyone updated!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Look forward to updates. And another thing to go along with the B complex is water therapy. Paddling is very good exercise and helps build muscle so letting you Pekin swim can help too. Just make sure they can get in and out of a pool etc safely.

 

[Mandarin28]

Look forward to updates. And another thing to go along with the B complex is water therapy. Paddling is very good exercise and helps build muscle so letting you Pekin swim can help too. Just make sure they can get in and out of a pool etc safely.

Is it the durvet high level b complex for large animals you use? Also I live in Pennsylvania and its starting to get cold.. I know they are ducks and hardy.. its ok for me to continue to let them swim in the cold weather? I raise wood ducks and mandarins.. these domestic pekins are much more high maintenance and I'm learning how to handle them! But I enjoy learning and want them to have a good life.

 

[Mandarin28]

Look forward to updates. And another thing to go along with the B complex is water therapy. Paddling is very good exercise and helps build muscle so letting you Pekin swim can help too. Just make sure they can get in and out of a pool etc safely.

Update.. I've been giving him the durvet vitamin b for 3 days now. Today he can't walk on his leg at all. His leg is also hot but still doesn't feel like its swollen. He was kind of gasping for air but I think its from him struggling to get up and being stressed. He seems fine other wise. Should I just continue with the vitamin? I had to give orally the last 2 times because he won't eat the treats.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Is there anyway you can take him to a vet? Any redness on the leg anywhere? I'd keep up with the liquid B complex since it's only been 3 days. Wondering if there is an infection in the leg? anyway you can post some pictures or a video?

Here is the best way to give oral meds.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...dications-to-all-poultry-and-waterfowl.73335/