Duckling still isn’t walking

[Juicey Juice]

Everyone here has been so wonderful at answering my questions. I have a 5 week old pekin duck that is still not walking well. His legs are bowed according to the vet. I started him on 100mg of the TSC b complex that was suggested and that’s been about a week ago. He has a day where he seems to be getting better and then next day he’s just not feeling well. Now it seems the leg that is bowed the worst the foot is starting to curl some. I’m so beside myself that he’s not progressing like he should. He gets water therapy 3 times per day for 30 minutes per time. Anything else I can do to try to help him more. I’ve put a hobble on him for 2 weeks already and nothing. He goes outside when it’s warm enough but still no major improvement. Does it normally take a while to correct bowed legs and niacin deficiency? Thank you everyone

 

[arianna7]

It sounds like you’re really doing everything you can for your little duck! Bowed legs can be tricky, and it can definitely take some time for them to improve. Keep up with the TSC B complex, and if you can, try adding some niacin powder to his food or water. Make sure he’s on a good quality duck feed that’s high in niacin, and consider adding nutritional yeast for extra support. Besides the water therapy, gentle stretching might help too—just a little stretch of those legs could encourage better movement. If the hobble isn’t working, maybe try adjusting it or ask your vet for other ideas. Keeping him warm and cozy, especially when he’s outside, is super important too. Just keep an eye on him for any changes, and if that foot keeps curling, definitely check in with your vet again. Healing can take time, so hang in there! Just keep showering him with love and care, and hopefully, he’ll start to get better soon!

Best of luck,
Arianna

 

[Juicey Juice]

It sounds like you’re really doing everything you can for your little duck! Bowed legs can be tricky, and it can definitely take some time for them to improve. Keep up with the TSC B complex, and if you can, try adding some niacin powder to his food or water. Make sure he’s on a good quality duck feed that’s high in niacin, and consider adding nutritional yeast for extra support. Besides the water therapy, gentle stretching might help too—just a little stretch of those legs could encourage better movement. If the hobble isn’t working, maybe try adjusting it or ask your vet for other ideas. Keeping him warm and cozy, especially when he’s outside, is super important too. Just keep an eye on him for any changes, and if that foot keeps curling, definitely check in with your vet again. Healing can take time, so hang in there! Just keep showering him with love and care, and hopefully, he’ll start to get better soon!

Best of luck,
Arianna

Thank you so much! I have read threads where the ducks got better in days and I was disappointed when he didn't get better that quick. It’s hard to watch him just scooting across the floor he is trying to walk but gets worn out quickly. I am putting nutritional yeast over his food and have been for almost a month now. I’m in this for the duration but don’t want him to have no quality of life especially after he gets bigger. Thank you for the advice and I’ll keep on trying

 

[Canadian Wind]

I hope he gets better but please be prepared that he will not. Giving how long it's been already and what your vet said...

I've been there and it was the most difficult decision I had to make.

Keeping my fingers crossed for you both!

 

[HollowOfWisps]

You are expecting too much too quickly. To get to the point of bowed leg your duckling is in the severe deficiency category. To fix a severe niacin deficiency it takes at least a month of daily dosing usually you will not see any results until at least 2-3 weeks into treatment and it can take up to 2 months of treatment to fully fix the deficiency.

 

[Juicey Juice]

You are expecting too much too quickly. To get to the point of bowed leg your duckling is in the severe deficiency category. To fix a severe niacin deficiency it takes at least a month of daily dosing usually you will not see any results until at least 2-3 weeks into treatment and it can take up to 2 months of treatment to fully fix the deficiency.

Thank you I wasn’t sure on how long it actually takes. I’m continuing to do what I’ve been doing and pray he pulls through. He’s such a sweet baby I hate to not give him a chance

 

[Juicey Juice]

You are expecting too much too quickly. To get to the point of bowed leg your duckling is in the severe deficiency category. To fix a severe niacin deficiency it takes at least a month of daily dosing usually you will not see any results until at least 2-3 weeks into treatment and it can take up to 2 months of treatment to fully fix the deficiency.

Everyone here has been so wonderful at answering my questions. I have a 5 week old pekin duck that is still not walking well. His legs are bowed according to the vet. I started him on 100mg of the TSC b complex that was suggested and that’s been about a week ago. He has a day where he seems to be getting better and then next day he’s just not feeling well. Now it seems the leg that is bowed the worst the foot is starting to curl some. I’m so beside myself that he’s not progressing like he should. He gets water therapy 3 times per day for 30 minutes per time. Anything else I can do to try to help him more. I’ve put a hobble on him for 2 weeks already and nothing. He goes outside when it’s warm enough but still no major improvement. Does it normally take a while to correct bowed legs and niacin deficiency? Thank you everyone

Update on Juice. He seems to be progressing with the walking although still kind of balancing with one of his wings. He’s more active now and he’s trying to lift himself out of his tub of water when he swims which to me is major improvement from just sitting around. Thanks everyone for the advice and patience! The vitamin b complex is working

 

[Juicey Juice]

You are expecting too much too quickly. To get to the point of bowed leg your duckling is in the severe deficiency category. To fix a severe niacin deficiency it takes at least a month of daily dosing usually you will not see any results until at least 2-3 weeks into treatment and it can take up to 2 months of treatment to fully fix the deficiency.

I posted an update he was doing better however this evening I noticed his right side which is the bowed side, is now curling on his toes. When he tries walking he puts his wing out to balance and his foot turns over. I have to turn it back into position. Is there something I can do to keep his right foot planted on the ground with his webbed foot in the correct position and not curled over? I don’t want to make it worse for him but I feel like we took 2 steps forward and now he’s gone 3 steps backwards