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Duck Wobbly and losing balance

Sarahhardin88

Hatching
Mar 2, 2023
3
6
6
Today I walked out to my duck coop and found that my duck is not walking properly and is losing her balance. She wants to stay in the water and is not eating. I have been reading a lot online and just need some help narrowing down how or if I can help her. She does like to wander around so maybe she got into something she should not have but I am not sure if she has a niacin deficiency. She does not seem to be eggbound. She is 3 years old and there is only one other duck with here who is not showing the same symptoms. Thanks to anyone who can help.
 
:welcome
Can you tell us what feed your using?
When did she lay last? They can be egg bound and we may not feel an egg when we try to feel one.
It's always a good idea to start them on Liquid B complex when showing signs of lameness just to rule out niacin deficiency TSC carries Durvet liquid B complex.
Do you have Liquid Calcium Gluconate this is the best for getting an egg moving if one is stuck.
Another good product to have on hand if any get into something toxic is Activated charcoal which can be found in the antiacids section of most pharmacies.
if you want more info on any of these let us know.
 
Last edited:
Hi Sarahhardin88

Welcome to BYC. Sorry to read about your duck's issues. I don't know what is the cause but if she were mine, I would bring her into the house in a tote or dog crate and keep her quiet and warm. THat way you can keep a close eye on her.

If she might have "got into something" you could consider doing a toxin flush: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/flushes-for-aiding-in-toxin-removal.700526/ is what I found on BYC -- I have never had to do this myself. Perhaps others will chime in with guidance [@Miss Lydia]

Good luck with her
 
:welcome
Can you tell us what feed your using?
When did she lay last? They can be egg bound and we may not feel an egg when we try to feel one.
It's always a good idea to start them on Liquid B complex when showing signs of lameness just to rule out niacin deficiency TSC carries Durvet liquid B complex.
Do you have Liquid Calcium Gluconate this is the best for getting an egg moving if one is stuck.
Another good product to have on hand if any get into something toxic is Activated charcoal which can be found in the antiacids section of most pharmacies.
if you want more info on any of these let us know.
Thank you for the reply. She last laid on Tuesday. She goes through a time where she doesn’t lay through the winter. We live in Florida so we definitely don’t have harsh winters. I did put her in a bathtub of warm water and felt around for an egg but couldn’t feel one in there. I have given her nutritional yeast and mashed peas which she seemed to enjoy and added some activated charcoal to some water that is set in front of her. She continues to drink but and eat some but is very unsteady and uses her wings to try and balance. She can’t walk more than 3 ft without falling over. Maybe botulism? There was a bucket of mud made after it rained which we all know they are attracted to. I got rid of it after she was all up in it. . I will continue the activated charcoal and nutritional yeast. I also purchased some poultry cell which should be here tomorrow.
 
Hi Sarahhardin88

Welcome to BYC. Sorry to read about your duck's issues. I don't know what is the cause but if she were mine, I would bring her into the house in a tote or dog crate and keep her quiet and warm. THat way you can keep a close eye on her.

If she might have "got into something" you could consider doing a toxin flush: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/flushes-for-aiding-in-toxin-removal.700526/ is what I found on BYC -- I have never had to do this myself. Perhaps others will chime in with guidance [@Miss Lydia]

Good luck with her
Thank you for the reply. The toxin flush is next on my list. I am giving her small amounts of activated charcoal in her water which she is drinking. We have a large yard and she typically sticks to our back yard but sometimes wanders and gets into things and I have to go find her.She is such a sweet bird and we have a bond. I hope she pulls through.
 

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