Duckling with bowed legs

[Miss Lydia]

What do you mean about getting nervous?

 

[ssholder0]

He just begins to chirp and swim in circles. He could be just excited, but I think it is him being nervous.

 

[Miss Lydia]

How long do you leave him in? I’d just start with 5 mins and just put enough warm water that he can float in and use his legs.

 

[ssholder0]

I usually give him about 10 minutes, but I can start doing 5 and seeing how he feels!

 

[Miss Lydia]

If you haven’t had him long this is all new to him so go slow maybe if you can 5 mins 2x a day. Do you have other ducklings ?

 

[ssholder0]

We have only had him for a week and he is our very first duck! We just got another duckling 2 days ago so he wouldn’t be alone and she is doing great.

 

[Miss Lydia]

That’s great they do so much better having a buddy. Do you put them in the water together?

 

[ssholder0]

Yes, they love to snuggle and they are really getting along! We have been putting them in the water together, but I think he might do better in the water alone.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Try what ever works best for him. Hopefully once you get him on the liquid b complex you’ll begin seeing a big difference in his walking and leg strength. And the swelling is most likely painful and that will get better too.

 

[Isaac 0]

He can walk a little bit, but is very unbalanced. I’m adding two pictures of how he stands to this post! Should I take him to the vets?

Are his hocks swollen? You can take him to a vet I am not sure what they can do for him but if you feel better doing that then please do. But get him started on this B complex ASAP it’s very important for those legs. Does he have a fav treat he likes put the B complex over it. Is this duckling a Pekin? @Isaac 0 do you think splinting would help with this ducklings legs?

In my opinion, putting a hobble on a bird that is very unbalanced may worsen problems. If the problem is a niacin deficiency, I would treat with niacin and also consider water therapy to relieve some stress off the legs.