Duckling limping and can't float! Help!

[Crayonsmom]

Last night I noticed that my 4 week old duckling is now limping. She doesn't like to put a lot of weight on her left leg. She didn't even want to paddle with it when I let her bathe this morning. I looked and felt around and can't find anything wrong. How long should I wait before taking her to a vet? I'ev also noticed that within a few days, that fatty blob at the bottom of her neck has pretty much disappeared. Is that normal for ducks her age, or should she still have a bunch of fat there? While swimming, she was definitely sinking in the front end and I ended up having to hold my hand under there so she could float.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

Poor ducky. Keep any eye on her for a few days to see if she improves. Help your duckling with swimming each day because that will help her injured leg heal. Make sure the ducklings are getting enough Niacin in their diet, because that helps prevent leg development problems. I'm not sure about the fat question, its been a while since I my ducks were that age.

 

[jerseygirl1]

I wonder if putting Niacin in her water every day would help?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Quote:
I sure would give it a try, I am still using brewers yeast on mine and he's 3 mos old.

 

[Crayonsmom]

Thanks for the suggestions.

She's still limping pretty badly today, btu is still in good spirits! I'll let her swim at least once a day. Where can I get niacin to add to her diet?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Quote:
you can get it at the drug store or grocery store, or buy brewers yeast and sprinkle some on top of their food. I have always used brewers yest so don't know how many mgs of nician for you to use. http://metzerfarms.blogspot.com/2011/03/are-my-ducklings-leg-problems-due-to.html hopefully this will help.

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

Have you checked the bottom of each foot to see if there is any abrasion or injury there?

i use brewers yeast for my ducks. i top dress their daily peas with a heaping tablespoon for 11 ducks. i buy mine at the local health food store.

 

[shadust1]

my duck is limping again too...i guess im gonna go get some of that stuff too...better to be safe then have my poor baby limping...

 

[Miss Lydia]

Quote:
If it is a nician deff. then you should notice improvement in under a week. Hopefully thats what is it, a simple fix indeed.