Ducks - Niacin Deficiency

[RaeMarie]

Thank you so much Lomine. I am grateful for any support. So we clean and refill the feeder twice a day, also we supplement with dandelion greens, kale, and meal worms for treats. They usually get a round of one of the things once or twice a day (they are DEF growing fast). But with a feeder that can be filled with approx 3 cups of feed, should I keep it at the 2 tbs of yeast, or should I increase it more at this point. I was doing more like 1 tbs of yeast before...and a week seems like a long time before I see a change in her legs and movement. I read somewhere (been to about 30 sites today and last night) that after 2 weeks, the condition can cause lifelong issues such as bowleg and more. Don't mean to be such a worry wart, and thank you so much for the advice and the first piece of mind I have had.

 

[lomine]

If you were doing 1 tbs, I would start by upping it to 1.5 tbs. I think it takes a lot longer than 2 weeks to cause permanent damage. Plus it's not like they haven't been getting any niacin. In most cases it is reversible if caught early and it sounds like that is the case with yours. My duckling didn't start showing symptoms till she was about 4 weeks old. After I increased the brewer's yeast she was completely symptom free after a week but I would say she started improving after just a couple of days. You wouldn't be able to tell now that she had any problems before.

I know it's hard not to worry but it sounds like you have been taking good care of your ducklings so far. You only hit a little bump in the road with this duckling that just needs a little extra.

 

[RaeMarie]

Whew! Thank you so much for the advice. I've increased the amount for the last 2-3 feedings and will keep it at that level for a few more days to see how she does. Thank you so so so much. I am happy to have finally found a place for answers. I just KNEW with all of the awesome farmers and homesteaders out there in the online community, someone would have some ideas for me. We love our new five feathery family members and can't wait to make the transition to the outdoor ducky-casa and big yard. They are very happy here with us. Just haven't raised ducks before (just chicks), so it's a bit like being a first time mom again. Haha!