Duckling emergency 3 to 5 days old leg problem

[richardfairlie]

Ok so I posted in ducks, but didn't really get any reply.

Not sure of the breed.

2 hatchling ducklings. 3 to 5 days old.
Free ranged with extra feed. 5 other large ducks in the enclosure mix of boys and girls.

4pm yesterday all ok. 6.30pm one was stuck in the pond, helped it out, it's dragging one leg behind it.

Took both ducklings, saw a small scratch on the back of the other.
The one with the small scratch died in the night.

The one with the bad leg doing ok. But it's a lot of work having to hold it up to eat and drink.

What's wrong with it? Broken or vitamin deficency?
How to fix it? (In the process of getting niacin and some sponges to cut and support the legs.

 

[DuckNana207]

I would try Niacin or brewer's yeast. Also, are your grown ducks caring for the duckling? If not, I would recommend separating the duckling. And avoid the water until it's feathers come in. I have read that without mama duck to rub her oil on the duckling, they actually cannot swim! So if your duckling isn't getting that oil from a "momma" it can get water logged and drown.