Is my duckling sick?

[Duckmom1]

I'm getting worried about one of my ducklings. I got two mallards from TSC about three days ago and one of them seems sickly. He lays down a lot. He will run around with his buddy but whenever he gets the chance he lays down unlike his friend. Also his poop seems runnier than the others. Could this be niacin deficiency? I started to give them some today. Or could their brooder be too cold? I don't see them huddled under the light but my basement is chilly. Any help could be appreciated since I'm a total newbie and a worrywart

 

[michellers]

Do you have a thermometer in the brooder?

 

[Duckmom1]

Unfortunately, no. I need to get a new one since my last one broke.

 

[Amiga]

What are you feeding them? Chick starter is low in niacin
Food and water 24/7? That's the way to go the first couple of months
Do you have poultry vitamins with electrolytes and probiotics? If not, get ahold of some and in the meantime, apple cider vinegar in their water - I'd put a teaspoon per cup

Is their bedding damp? That will chill them. Make sure the water they splash stays close to the waterer, not soaking the bedding. You can put their waterer on a two piece broiler pan covered with a washcloth or hand towel for traction.

 

[Duckmom1]

Thank you for getting back to me. His poop is better today and not runny. However he still lays down a lot. They are in chick starter but I gave them extra niacin and put some apple cider vinegar in their water like you suggested. Their bedding is not damp since I switched them to a different waterer that spills less. Also I scoop the damp bedding out twice a day.
How do I tell if his legs are swollen? I tried comparing them to the other duckling but they are different sizes so it's not much help.

 

[Amiga]

I haven't had the problem, but I would gently press the side of the leg and see if it dents in. Their legs are very bony and sinewy, not fleshy, so if it appears a little fleshy, that might be swelling.

Warm water swim time helps a number of problems, so I'd do that at least once a day, maybe twice, if I could work it in.

 

[Duckmom1]

Would it be painful if i squeezed it if swelling was present? Because I did that with no response from him. I do want to get them swimming. The first attempt went bad, you would have thought it was torture from their screams I've tried to bond with them but they love towels more than me. If they see one they climb on it and snuggle even if it's attached to a person lol

 

[Amiga]

Ducks hide pain pretty well, so I am not sure.

Little dickenses. They melt our hearts and then break them. Just keep lovin' em. Bath time was always fun, even if the ducklings didn't like being transported to the tub.

 

[Duckmom1]

I will continue to watch little Benny like a hawk but he still seems very happy. And round two of swim time is tomorrow. Wish me luck

 

[Miss Lydia]

I will continue to watch little Benny like a hawk but he still seems very happy. And round two of swim time is tomorrow. Wish me luck