Duckling walking backwards

[babyduck23]

Hello everyone! I'm new to this site and I am also new to caring for ducks. Thankfully my father grew up on a farm and has been helping me along the way, I have the proper food for him, water, and he is definitely happy. Today, he started walking backwards. My father has absolutely no idea why and he said he can't recall ever seeing any of his walking backwards. Is there a reason for this? I have a bowl deep enough for him to stick his bill in and I let him swim a lot. Thanks in advance!

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

I am so sorry about your duckling. I have never raised ducks before, but I know with chickens, generally when they walk backwards, there is some sort of either a vitamin deficiency or some neurological issue going on. I think you need to post this in our ducks section and possibly our emergency section for more help then I can give you...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/42/ducks

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures

I sure hope you can find someone to help you with this and can get your baby back to good health soon.

 

[babyduck23]

Ah thank you!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Sorry about your duckling, hope it is OK, looks like TwoCrows gave you some good links to post on for help.

 

[gander007]

 

[drumstick diva]

I believe a niacin deficiency causes this in ducks. Are you feeding him a good quality brand for ducklings? Please check with the duck people - you can find their threads at "Other Backyard poultry forum which also has threads for geese and peacocks and guineas and quail etc. Duck people will be more experienced with this.