Duckling drooling, ran out of water overnight!

[PicklesMom]

Good morning, we are first time duckling owners and I'm worried about my two week old Pekin duckling "Bill". This morning when I came downstairs they had somehow managed to empty both of their water bowls, I'm not sure how long they were without water. He did eat a little this morning but maybe not as vigorous as usual. They went right to the water when I filled it and drank, but now he seems a little less energetic and is drooling, I think his crop looks a little full.

The back story is that Bill is niacin deficient and he has been on vitamins for the past two days with good improvement. Yesterday we switched them from a 22% duck starter crumble to an 18% pellet, which I've been sprinkling with water to break up the pellets. The only other foods they've had are nutritional yeast and some smashed peas I have given them over the past few days to get vitamins into them.

How worried should I be about this? Will his crop go down if I give it time? Thanks!

 

[DuckWhisperer06]

I think he may have just gorged himself on water. I’ve never had the experience of taking care of a niacin deficient duck/ling before, so take what I say with a grain of salt. I’m not entirely sure how a niacin deficiency affects a duck mentally, but I’ve heard that it can weaken their bones and/or cause them to grow abnormally. Like I said, I’m no expert, I’m just passing along what I’ve heard. I would just give him some time, maybe post a few pictures here in the meantime.

 

[PicklesMom]

I think he may have just gorged himself on water. I’ve never had the experience of taking care of a niacin deficient duck/ling before, so take what I say with a grain of salt. I’m not entirely sure how a niacin deficiency affects a duck mentally, but I’ve heard that it can weaken their bones and/or cause them to grow abnormally. Like I said, I’m no expert, I’m just passing along what I’ve heard. I would just give him some time, maybe post a few pictures here in the meantime.

Thanks, I don't know if the niacin has anything to do with it except that's why we gave him peas. I've read if they run out of water and eat, the food can swell when they drink and cause them to choke, which is why I started to freak out. Maybe since the food was wet already it won't be much of an issue? He is snuggling with all the others in a big pile right now.

I'm such a nervous duck mom...