Ducklings, Save-A-Chick & a waterer

[bt03]

We got some new ducklings a week ago and night before last I noticed that I have one that looks like a cowboy just come off a horse. His legs are very bowed. My husband went with the starter that the feed store suggested and I should have but I didn't read the list of ingredients before feeding it to them

Niacin was towards the bottom of the list so now I'm in a pinch that is my fault. I went to the pharmacy last night to buy some straight niacin vitamins (flush free but the package says time released?) to put into their water. Well I noticed when I went to change their water this morning that there was a ring of fine white powder on the inside of the waterer. I was thinking of sending hubby to TSC to buy some packages of Save-A-Chick. Would that work to fix Duke's legs? They also told him that they thought that they were about 5 weeks when we got them so maybe 6 weeks now? But they aren't as big as my last Pekins at that age so I think they may be a bit younger or the feed is that wrong for them. Could I switch them to finisher now? I buy DuMor Brand finisher from TSC (never letting hubby buy feed again) usually so that is what they would be switched to. Would the finisher and the save-a-chick be enough niacin to help him before it's to late?

 

[bt03]

Any takers?

Bump

 

[ksmith]

I have heard that the time release do not work as well because they do not dissolve fully in the water. A year ago I bought 2 pekin ducklings and lost then both due to eg issues. So this year when I eciede to try ducklings again I bought 2 mallards and was VERY adimate about the whole Niacin thing. I went to a local health food store and bought BREWERS YEAST and sprinkled it on their chick starter food. NUTRITIONAL YEAST will work just as fine too. My mallards are now 2 months old and have had no leg issues what so ever. I am pretty sure the Save-A-Chick will work too. I hope your baby turns out healthy and strong!

 

[gofasterstripe]

Ive had no problems with mu ducklings and they have been on Niacin like the kind you bought since birth. I also give mine Pedialyte in the same water too. I keep mine on the same feed as you but at 2 weeks I switch them over the the Finisher. AS also said, you can use Brewers Yeast in their food. I hope your babies make a full recovery

 

[bt03]

Thank you both for the response! I am really worried about Duke now and I hope he doesn't mind me watching and messing with him every day to make sure he is getting better.