Duckling with leg/foot abnormalities

[SaeruhMariee]

Thank you all for the help! I grabbed some feed I saw recommended (versus just non-med chick starter) for the niacin content. Tried to find a pure niacin supplement at TSC but they didn't have what I was looking for. Instead settled with a vitamin and electrolyte powder supplement.


I don't know if this is enough (especially for "Scooter") but I don't want to give them the wrong thing and make this worse. Any advice?

He seems very adamant about trying to walk. I tried to tape his feet but I don't think tape alone is going to help. Compared to the others, his toes are bent and stiff the the knuckles. It's going to be a two-man job and probably going to involve some cardstock or popsicle sticks for extra support. Even then, I'm not sure if they will go completely straight.

As far as his legs, I'm at a loss. Sometimes he's spraddle-legged but his legs still lay behind him. Put him in the sink with water deep enough for him to float. Never met a duck who isn't fond of water but he was not pleased. Nevertheless, I figure it's at least one good way to get him off his belly. A literal water therapy. After the first time doing that he's seemed more gung ho about standing. Also have been holding him upright in a normal position and letting him "walk" on his own.

Not sure if it will help, but probably going to macgyver a harness to get him off his belly and keep my hands free to help him with his steps for these little walking sessions.

Trying to think of everything I can. At the very least, I want him to be able to not constantly be laying down. I didn't intend on having an indoor pet duck, but this little guy has stolen my heart.

 

[SaeruhMariee]

This is what I got...

 

[SaeruhMariee]

Here it is

Thank you for his video! Just watched it and that's very very similar to what mines foot is doing. Only on both. Never thought of the bouncy ball to help train the foot. I'll have to try cutting a piece of cork to fit his foot. Maybe that'll help progress it to the point where laying it flat is possible.

 

[Miss Lydia]

According to the book Raising Ducks by Dave Holderread 150mgs of niacin is what they need. You could order Nutritional yeast from Amazon that is what I use. then just sprinkle it over their feed. the feed looks good too. Use the vitamins you have there though till you decide if your going to try and find a higher B3 supplement. Water therapy is awesome to help them gain strength in their legs and take pressure off I hope all your efforts pay off and you can get your lil one mobile.

 

[DwayneNLiz]

that food is good but tends to e expensive in comparison, check TSC for their Purina all-flock raiser I have not verified this but @Ravynscroft has informed me that it has the appropriate amount of niacin in it for ducklings

water therapy is a GREAT idea!! it will help to mobilize the joints, you will probably see great improvement, make sure to never leave it unattended they can water-log easily and drown

and here are some slings that people have made for their poultry

Good Luck!!

 

[Ravynscroft]

Exactly right, Liz! I use Purina Flock Raiser exclusively for all my ducklings from hatch to lay... it is formulated with higher Niacin content adequate for ducklings, I did compare the ingredients to other chick starters to confirm... not to mention I have hatched and raised literally hundreds and to date have only had a single leg issue in a duckling, but that was an isolated issue I think was individual...

The Gamebird feed will do for now, it has higher Niacin content too, I believe, but Purina Flock Raiser is cheaper and 20% protein, which is ideal...

Boots for now is the best idea... I will tag another member who had a similar issue witha duckling and successfully managed to fix it... hope they respond!

@GSDperson could you lend your experience again, please?

 

[SaeruhMariee]

Thank you guys so much! I ordered brewers yeast off Amazon and it should be here tomorrow morning. Hopefully that helps too.

The little guy seems dead set on using his legs today. Finally doesn't seem to hate being in the water as much too. The water therapy sessions haven't been longer than maybe two minutes so far. He does end up getting soaked and whiney, so I've kept it short and keep my hand in the water with him to try to get him to swim back and forth. He also made it into my palm on his own just a few minutes ago. Kind of props himself up on his hind legs with his beak and is trying to walk more rather than just propelling himself on his stomach.

I end up carrying him around with me with his legs between my fingers and propped in the right position while I'm moving around and changing out water, etc. for the others. I feed and water him separate since the others run around like crazy, stepping all over each other.

On the note of his rambunctious siblings, once I'm able to get his legs braced, should I keep him in a separate brooder from the others? Two of them seem to be a little better (and mindful of his lack of mobility) with him, so perhaps put one of them with him too? I just don't want him to get stuck or literally picked on by the others. There's a pretty decent difference in size between him and the three "first-hatchers".

 

[SaeruhMariee]

that food is good but tends to e expensive in comparison, check TSC for their Purina all-flock raiser I have not verified this but @Ravynscroft has informed me that it has the appropriate amount of niacin in it for ducklings

water therapy is a GREAT idea!! it will help to mobilize the joints, you will probably see great improvement, make sure to never leave it unattended they can water-log easily and drown

and here are some slings that people have made for their poultry

Good Luck!!

That's exactly what I was thinking off. He's gonna absolutely HATE it but I think cutting up a shirt and at least putting him in it while I feed/water him would do a world of good. Not to mention make the whole process easier... lol

 

[Ravynscroft]

On the note of his rambunctious siblings, once I'm able to get his legs braced, should I keep him in a separate brooder from the others? Two of them seem to be a little better (and mindful of his lack of mobility) with him, so perhaps put one of them with him too? I just don't want him to get stuck or literally picked on by the others. There's a pretty decent difference in size between him and the three "first-hatchers".

Yes and yes... probably would be best to separate him, especially if he's getting trampled, but you definitely don't want him alone... pick the calmest most buddied up to him to keep with him...

You're doing a great job! So glad he is trying harder now too!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Great news to hear your getting him to where he is trying harder. Keep up the good work[Physical therapy] I agree he needs a calm buddy to hang with. and Pics when you get time.