Duckling, Esperanza

[bbscupid]

We had two Pekin ducks; the female, Crystal, used to disappear into the woods for hours at a time, so we took one of her eggs and put it under a broody hen. Well, unfortunately, Crystal got eaten by a red fox, but the egg hatched; it was a crested Pekin, which we named Esperanza, meaning hope. Sadly, Esperanza has been having much difficulty walking. She takes a few steps, falls, and then gets into such a position on her back that she is unable to turn over by herself. I turn her as much as I can. Sometimes I keep her in a cage with her surrogate mom while others I just let her free with all the other barn animals. Do you have any suggestions what I can do for Esperanza. I feed her water, regular layer mash, and scratch. Thank you, in advance. BBScupid

 

[jdywntr]

how old is this one?

 

[Miss Lydia]

We had two Pekin ducks; the female, Crystal, used to disappear into the woods for hours at a time, so we took one of her eggs and put it under a broody hen. Well, unfortunately, Crystal got eaten by a red fox, but the egg hatched; it was a crested Pekin, which we named Esperanza, meaning hope. Sadly, Esperanza has been having much difficulty walking. She takes a few steps, falls, and then gets into such a position on her back that she is unable to turn over by herself. I turn her as much as I can. Sometimes I keep her in a cage with her surrogate mom while others I just let her free with all the other barn animals. Do you have any suggestions what I can do for Esperanza. I feed her water, regular layer mash, and scratch. Thank you, in advance. BBScupid

How old is she? and are you familiar with the neurological problems associated with crested ducks? the skull is open with just the skin and feathers covering it so even the slightest bump can cause problems. I would start her on some poultry vitamins in her water theres a product called Poultry Nutri Drench that you can get at TSC that is great and also get some niacin capsules or tablets or brewers yeast and start her on either of those, which is also something some ducklings miss if fed chicken feed. if she is an adult then there my not much you can do for her except vits and supportive care. if you opt for niacin tablets which are very cheap by the way capsules too, be sure to not get the time released or non flush kind, just plain ole niacin. mixed in her water. I'd keep her up like you are doing till she has had some of this given to her and if it is a niacin problem then you should be able to tell a difference with in a week. Niacin deff. can also cause neurological problems as well . I hope this helps and Esperanza will feel much better real soon, and

ps sorry for your loss also

 

[jdywntr]

I recieved a PM from the OP. The duckling is 3 weeks old.

First, she is too young for layer mash and scratch. She needs starter or grower at this age as the extra calcium in the layer feed can cause problems. Since you are giving her scratch, does she have access to grit?
Are you adding any niacin to her food or water?
As Miss Lydia mentioned, crested ducklings can have problems. Vitamins would be great and niacin may help correct this.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I recieved a PM from the OP. The duckling is 3 weeks old.

First, she is too young for layer mash and scratch. She needs starter or grower at this age as the extra calcium in the layer feed can cause problems. Since you are giving her scratch, does she have access to grit?
Are you adding any niacin to her food or water?
As Miss Lydia mentioned, crested ducklings can have problems. Vitamins would be great and niacin may help correct this.

Thanks J,

 

[rainplace]

Don't discount Toxoplasmosis

http://www.shagbarkbantams.com/page13.htm

 

[Miss Lydia]

Don't discount Toxoplasmosis

http://www.shagbarkbantams.com/page13.htm

Might be worth looking into especially if the OP has cats or has feral cats around.