Duckling only looks down at ground

[Nbaker]

Hello! I got a few more ducklings(magpie ducks) to add to our flock this weekend and on the way home noticed one baby who only looks at the ground. She sometimes tucks her head beneath her and walks backwards. I have seen info on wry neck and have supplemented the babies with vitamin/electrolyte/probiotic water and also giving them wheat bran.
I don’t know if it’s wry neck or a spinal issue.

I’m attaching a photo showing how she tucks her head laying down too.

just wondering if anyone has had any experience with this or have any recommendations! Thank

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If it is wry neck, it would need niacin but also vitamin E and selenium. I guess you don't know what they have been fed. They seem a bit young for wry neck to manifest itself but it could happen.

 

[Isaac 0]

Torticollis (wry neck) has varying etiologies, that can vary from genetic predispositions to neurological/spinal damage, toxicosis, bacterial/viral infections, metabolic disorders, and nutritional deficiencies, most predominantly vitamin B1 (thiamine and vitamin E. Differentiation of the various conditions mentioned relies on diagnostic tests, past history, and proper physical examination; without such materials, anything is but a mere guess.

With ducklings, we are limited in the amount of supportive care, and treatment we can offer due to their small size, and fragility. If you wish to treat, first goals should be placed on ensuring the duckling is eating, and drinking enough; often with these birds, you'll directly need to offer the feed/water to their bill. Sick/ill birds are often on the receiving end of bullying in flocks, so one must ensure the duckling is not getting picked on continually throughout the day.

Environmental considerations of the wryneck bird, may include ensuring the pen is soft padded, and free of dangers that may predispose the bird to further neurological damage; waterers should be deep enough to allow face dunking, but shallow enough the bird won't easily drown.

In cases where the problem is related to a nutritional problem, administering a broad range of vitamins, specifically vitamin E, and thiamine (B1) can often prove useful. An electrolyte such as Sav-A-Chick, Pedialyte, or Gatorade may be given in conjunction to correct any fluid or electrolyte deficits. Mashed scrambled eggs offers a high source of protein and several valuable nutrients to the bird.