Wannabe NE Farmer
In the Brooder
- Jan 23, 2021
- 18
- 25
- 41
I am a first time duck owner (we have chickens), and when we purchased 2 ducklings at TSC, they threw in a free little guy, saying he had splayed legs and just looking for a good home. He’s around 2-3 weeks old. Since we got home, I’ve been trying to research if there’s anything I can do to help him improve it just live a happy life. He’s a happy little guy so far, eats, drinks, and stays with the other 2 the best he can. He waddles/scoots on his hock joints. He lays down as much as possible, and when eating/drinking. He loves to swim, but tires easily. He has been on Purina Flock Raiser at TSC and since I brought him home. According to the website and what I can find, it has adequate amounts of Niacin for ducklings. Even so, I have been giving him 1/2 dropper of B vitamin complex (10mg Niacin). I’ve been trying to get him in the pool a couple times a day, because I read that can help with leg issues. Does this look like a lack of Niacin, and if so, how can it be if he was on a food with adequate niacin? Is this leg problem something different? Does anyone know if
I should try anything else? A splint or banding? Also, what about prognosis? We are just in this backyard chicken/duck thing as a hobby and farm-like experience for our children (we also have 2 special needs chickens, albeit not this severe), so it’s pretty small scale and we give extra attention and coddling when necessary. I’d love to see him get better (if this is even a niacin deficiency), but if he doesn’t, can he survive like this, or will he be in pain his whole life? Thanks so much for any help you can provide!
I should try anything else? A splint or banding? Also, what about prognosis? We are just in this backyard chicken/duck thing as a hobby and farm-like experience for our children (we also have 2 special needs chickens, albeit not this severe), so it’s pretty small scale and we give extra attention and coddling when necessary. I’d love to see him get better (if this is even a niacin deficiency), but if he doesn’t, can he survive like this, or will he be in pain his whole life? Thanks so much for any help you can provide!