So I know this has been discussed in detail here, but I haven't seen anything conclusive on whether Purina Flockraiser has enough niacin for ducklings. I have three five day old ducklings on Flockraiser, and one of them just started having problems with one of her legs. It's like she's just not really using it. She can walk around but she limps and seems less active than the others. I have them on towels in the brooder (so it shouldn't be hard to walk on), and I'm going to the store to get some poultry vitamins for their water. Any other suggestions? Do you normally have to supplement with Flockraiser?
get them swimming , that early excersize for ducklings strengthens their legs, that is why all my duckling go swimming on day 2 of life.
I'm having a similar issue. My four day old runner has not been using her left foot much. The toes are curled, and she hops around on one leg. She will occasionally stand still on two legs, but the toes won't spread out. I just went to the store (GNC) and bought some Brewers yeast, and was told (thanks again @needlessjunk) to mix a teaspoon of it in with their food. Maybe you could try that? I don't know about purina flock raiser though. Hopefully someone who knows more will let you know. My fiancé fashioned a little "boot" out of cardboard and a bandaid to keep her toes spread overnight, and I'm about to check and see if that helped any. I might try the swimming thing, though. Good luck with your little one!
I used flock raiser and at first added nutritional yeast for a week and then just every once in a while. I didn't have any problems and I know flock raiser is for ducks and such. Since you are having issues I would up the niacin and start adding the brews/nutritional yeast. I did about a teaspoon on a cup or so of feed. Just sprinkled it on top. I didn't really measure.
Thanks for the suggestions. I never would have thought of swimming this early, but it makes sense. I happen to have some nutritional yeast that I can add (along with the vitamins I got). I also called Purina, and Flock Raiser has niacin at 55 ppm, which is adequate for ducklings, but just barely. So, hopefully the supplementation and exercise will help. I will update if I see any improvement or (gulp) worsening.
