I think my ducklings have niacin deficiency…

[anonymous99]

I’m not completely sure, but i think that they’re suffering from niacin deficiency. I’m not sure how old they are, but i think that they’re almost 2 weeks old. I have brewer’s yeast powder that i put in their feed every day. It’s 16 oz (454 g). The instructions on the container recommend that I give them 1/2 scoop per cup of brewer’s yeast in their feed, and I do every day. I think a couple of them are suffering from angel wings. I don’t think that they really have a problem with walking or standing, but they do sit weird. They’re balding too and i’m not sure if it’s bc their feathers are coming in or not. I’m not sure what to do. I’m afraid to give them more brewer’s yeast bc i don’t want them to overdose on it. What do i do? I can’t really afford to take them to a vet or something.

 

[WallacetheKhakiCampbell]

Can you post pictures? You should also try Nutri-drench, and you may be able to find specific niacin supplements if brewers yeast isn't doing it. Also, grass is very high in niacin. If you give them some grit you can give them a bowl of grass. All my ducklings have just gone crazy for plain ol grass.

 

[anonymous99]

Can you post pictures? You should also try Nutri-drench, and you may be able to find specific niacin supplements if brewers yeast isn't doing it. Also, grass is very high in niacin. If you give them some grit you can give them a bowl of grass. All my ducklings have just gone crazy for plain ol grass.

Here are my ducklings getting ready for their nap. They’re not really sitting weird here, but they do sometimes.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Pics would def help. You can also try niacinamide drops if it really is a niacin deficiency. And peas are also high in niacin. They'd need grit for peas, too.

Angel wing, from what I've read/heard, is caused by too much protein, which causes rapid feather growth.

But balding? That I know nothing about, unless they are just losing their down before feather growth...

 

[Aunt Angus]

Here are my ducklings getting ready for their nap

Close ups of the ducklings with the problems you describe would be more helpful.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Here is excellent info on Niacin def.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/niacin-deficiency-in-waterfowl.1367557/

Stop with the brewers yeast it doesn't have near the niacin they need.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/niacin-deficiency-in-waterfowl.1367557/

once you notice a possibility of niacin def you need to get them on liquid B complex. the info tells you all you need to know.

What breed of ducklings? solid yellow can go through a stage when they begin losing down and look bald in places wings being one. Pictures would be a good idea.
Never seen a 2-week old duckling with angel wing.

 

[anonymous99]

Pics would def help. You can also try niacinamide drops if it really is a niacin deficiency. And peas are also high in niacin. They'd need grit for peas, too.

Angel wing, from what I've read/heard, is caused by too much protein, which causes rapid feather growth.

But balding? That I know nothing about, unless they are just losing their down before feather growth...

Their feed is currently 20% protein. The feed is gonna run out in probably about a week. Is it okay to feed them anything that’s not feed?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Here are my ducklings getting ready for their nap. They’re not really sitting weird here, but they do sometimes.

They are awfully cute but can't tell a thing by that picture. You need to turn off the heat lamp and get them up where we can see them.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Their feed is currently 20% protein. The feed is gonna run out in probably about a week. Is it okay to feed them anything that’s not feed?

Anything that's not feed? Like a treat? They need a well balanced diet so treats should be minimal. Is this feed your feeding a starter or all flock?

 

[Aunt Angus]

You can feed them other things. just make sure they have grit.