Hello all

[Lydia loves]

My name is Lydia. I just bought my first set of ducklings. They are about 4 months old. One duck is growing beautifully, the other duck is not doing so good. Like a week ago we noticed that he started walking on his legs. I feel so bad. Please help! My heart breaks everytime I see my baby duck.

 

[Tenrec]

Hey! You got pics? What kind of substrate are these birds on? Do you see any injury? Joint swelling? Are his legs splayed?

If he's been doing this for a week, he needs help soon. It could be something else, and you might need a vet.

Ducklings and goslings are very susceptible to niacin (a B vitamin) deficiency, which causes (and is usually the first suspect with) leg problems. What are you feeding the duckies? Just plain chick starter or poultry ration isn't really good enough, especially if the bird is young or laying. Some people supplement with brewer's/nutritional yeast, while I like to grind some B vitamin (make sure it's the right kind, niacin, B3 complex) into the food. How much you put in depends on the dosage of your tablets and how much food you're giving at one time. If you grind the tablets, be sure to wet the food a little, because you want it to stick to the food...otherwise, it'll just settle at the bottom. Not sure if the protocol is the same with yeast.

Also, if the legs are splayed, you may need to make a hobble. There will probably be some wiggling and complaining from the duckling, but given that it's done right, it can save the ducky's life...Splayed legs can be so uncomfortable/painful that the duckling will stop eating and drinking, so it's definitely a life-or-death situation.

edit: Please keep us updated! Well wishes for the little one.

edit 2: Also, if the duckling can swim, that's generally good PT! Get the little one swimming a couple times a day.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - thanks for joining us. You may wish to post your question / issue on the duck forum https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/42/ducks

Good luck
CT

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under Lydia

Welcome!

As you have already received some good advice and a link to the Duck Forum, I will just wish you and your little one all the best.

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

You might want to also pop in and say hello on your local thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you ‘Find your State’s thread.

If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

 

[drumstick diva]

Ducklings are prone to niacin deficiencies which cause leg problems. You could pop in on the "duck thread," and ask how much brewer's yeast he should have added to his food.