Ducks got a foot problem?(possibly egg bound) *PICS

[The Chickeneer]

I went outside to feed this afternoon, and my muscovy hen hadn't moved from the coop I let her out in during the morning. When I came near she tried to walk but couldn't. Whenever she took a step, both of her legs stuck out straight behind her. She can stand up, but can't walk for some reason. Anybody know? She seems to limp a little bit and picks up her left foot before she falls again when trying to walk. But she just ends up slayed on the ground. I checked her feet, and there wasn't any glass or stuff stuck in there so I have no idea whats the matter with her. Thank you to anybody that can help.

see how her legs just stick out behind her, this happens every time she tries to walk.

 

[Amiga]

I would get her into a lukewarm tub, deep enough to float in.

Some possibilities:

Too much drake attention
Nutritional deficiency (some ducks have "special needs," it is not necessarily that you are doing anything incorrectly for most ducks)
Egg binding



Bath time will show you if she can move her legs with the weight off. Also, it increases circulation and stretches muscles and tendons. It helps them relax - once the excitement of getting there calms down - and if she's egg bound, some time in the tub may help her relax enough to lay the egg.

Please keep us posted.

What are you feeding her? If you have poultry vitamins, I would start putting that in her water a.s.a.p.

If there are drakes involved, I would keep her separated for a few days. I think I would do that in any case.

 

[The Chickeneer]

I only have one muscovy drake with her. Im feeding them layer mash, and I put ACV in their water, and they are free range during the day, theres lots of grass and other foodstuffs. Also, shes been laying every day, but stopped the day she couldn't walk, so I guess egg bound can be a possibility. Im going to try the water thing, thank you for the advice.

 

[Amiga]

I would get her separated from the drake, continue with the water therapy and see how it goes. You may want to look up egg binding, or see if you can change the title of this thread to include "possible egg binding" and go from there.

Prayers for you both.

Oh, and see if you can give her extra calcium for a while.

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

It could be a niacin deficiency. I had a duck experience temporary lameness until i added in Brewers Yeast flakes every day. Please follow Amiga's advice with the water therapy and keeping her separated. Do you provide crushed oyster shell?

 

[The Chickeneer]

She seemed to like being in the water today, it kept all the pressure off her feet, ans she just floated around. I do provide her with crushed oyster shell, I guess I should add some egg shell to her diet too. She is separated from the drake, and still hasn't laid any eggs since the first day she seemed lame. I have heard about brewers yeast before, is it available at grocerie stores or feed stores?

 

[Deerling]

They sell it as a powder at feed stores for horses. You can mix it in her water or sprinkle it on her food.

 

[The Chickeneer]

Thanks, I will get some tomorrow after noon and keep you guys posted on what happens

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

i buy my Brewers Yeast at the health food store. i didn't know they had it at feed stores. i suspect that would be cheaper.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Hows she doing today?