Duckling with a hurt foot! I need HELP!

[Luciesbuddys]

I have 4 mallard ducklings that are 8 days old 3 of them are doing just fine. The other one has a foot that is hurt It wont stand on it, and It barely stands on the other one. What do i do??????

 

[Break an Egg]

It may be a niacin deficiency, they are prone to leg problems. Buy some brewer's yeast and sprinkle it into the feed.

 

[duckking]

You can also purchase Niacin 100 mg tablets/capsules and crush one into a gallon of water. Make sure it is NOT flush-free niacin. They need extra niacin anyway. I would check out the electrolyte and vitamin mixture that you add to the water as well. I think Metzer has it to order. Are you sure the foot is not injured in some way? I have Mallards as well. My Rouen was the one with the leg problem and the niacin cleared everything up very quickly.

 

[Luciesbuddys]

The hurt one is doing a little better with out the Niacin yet..... of all things it took more exercise i took them out of the brooder to clean and put them in a larger area which the others loved they were running around like crazy!!!!!!!!! (it was so cute) but the little guy was trying to follow, failing at keeping up, but since then he has been actully spreading out his foot like normal. I feel that this is an improvement.

I did get the Niacin today.

Any other suggestions??????????

 

[duckyfromoz]

Is the reason he cant stand because the foot wont open?? You can tape the foot so that the webbing stays open- and in many cases- that alone will help a duckling to be able to walk more normally. A scrunched up foot can be a problem from incubation - but is easily fixed if you get it early.