HELP! Duckling "paralyzed" on left side

[ashley9286]

I am pretty sure he did not hurt his leg since two of my other ducklings died. He was fine the morning I found the others and later couldnt stand on his leg. There is nothing in the "pen" I was keeping him in that he could have hurt himself on. It was just a flat surface and bedding.

The "mucus" I noticed was probably nothing. It may have been from drinking water and I haven't noticed any wetness since. So that is good news.

Anyone know why the skin is peeling on both of his legs and feet? I sat his legs in warm water and when he dried you couldnt tell.... but this doesnt seem good.


He is actually moving his leg and wing a lot. Not completely standing on it but before I noticed little to no movement and now I can tell he is trying.

 

[Miss Lydia]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=2085511
might explain about nician that ducklings need.

 

[dumb_cluck]

Give him a few days on the niacin based feed and watch for improvement. Sounds like he may make it after all!

 

[KansasKid]

I have never noticed it on ducklings (doesn't mean it doesn't happen

) but i have seen and heard about geese legs and feet peeling old skin off within the first weeks and its completely normal.

 

[The Duck ABC's]

Peeling skin is normal. A lack of vitamin e can make it worse. Increase the vitamin e in the diet and it will go away.

 

[ashley9286]

Dewey stands up when you talk to him and puts weight on his leg now. He hasnt walked yet but he seems to be doing better.

Yesterday his eye looked a little crusty. This morning it was shut so I used a warm wash cloth and wiped it. Not sure why this is happening. Any ideas? Suggestions for what to do?

Researching this someone mentioned using Terramycin Ophthalmic ointment.

 

[duckyfromoz]

Does he have water deep enough to wash his face in - or has he had a swim yet? Ducks need to be able to dip their whole heads into water to clear out their nostrils and to wash their eyes. Without it- they can have eye problems like you describe. Being weaker- he is more susceptible to common minor ailments- but good to hear you are seeing improvement.

 

[ashley9286]

Yes i have a two inch deep water dish for him. I haven't seen him dunking his head in lately but I have tried giving him two baths yesterday but he didn't seem interested in bathing.

 

[duckyfromoz]

Gaining strength back now is most important for him. You may find yourself needing to help him with cleaning his face ( and bottom too if necessary ) Swimming will be good for him later when he is stronger- it will help him to build up some muscles. He may have more interest in it when he is feeling stronger. I had a disabled duck that was actually afraid of water to begin with - she only had the use of one leg- and swimming must have been scary for her with her balance issues. Although they do float- with only one leg- she was lopsided in the water. I had to bath her every night to keep her clean- but it was very stressful for her. In the end- I filled a pool and got in with her. After a few times she gained confidence and learnt to enjoy hew bath times.

 

[ashley9286]

Is this normal to see his eye crusted from having a vitamin deficiency? It's one thing after another but his condition is def improving and it really concerned me when I noticed his eye now. Poor baby doesn't need anymore issues.