HELP!!!3wk old duck falling over

[Theprussia4]

I have a 3wk old duck who kept falling on his back and not being able to get up. I brought him in for 3 days and gave him Niacin. He seemed a little bit better so I put him back outside, he was fine for a few hours and started falling over again. He leans to his left side and puts his left wing down when he tries to walk. I keep going out to check on him and he is usually stuck on his back. I don't know what to do or what else may be wrong with him. Please help!

 

[redsoxs]

I typed in a search for 'duck on back' and found this old thread https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/570547/duck-laying-on-his-back
Most of the post dealt with adult ducks but the post in the thread talked about a duckling. Hope it helps.

 

[Theprussia4]

I feel they were/are in the same boat as I... Hmm... thank you.

 

[Amiga]

So, are you continuing the niacin? Is it plain niacin? I have read that the no-flush and timed release are not the best for this.

Also, sometimes an infection can cause this.

 

[Theprussia4]

I am giving him a liquid B vitamin, when I read up on it, that was the suggested thing to use. How do you know it's infection and what do you do

 

[Amiga]

It's not easy to determine if it's an infection, at least, from what I have read and heard.

I think without a vet's help, I would probably go with the B vitamins for several days, and look out for a very warm bill or legs, lethargy, loss of appetite, metallic green poop.

If I saw those symptoms I would add an antibiotic to the treatment.