Lame duck

[Evan164]

Hi,

I have 3 adult Pekin Ducks I got about 2 months ago. The ducks free range my backyard and get a fine ground layer mix plus whatever they forage. They have access to plenty of water and a kids pool that is refilled every day.
For the first month I got an egg a day and then about a month ago they just stopped. I wasn't sure if it was normal but the people at the pet feed store said it was probably just the heat so I didn't worry about it.

Yesterday I noticed that the ducks were under a hedge all day and hadn't eaten anything, then one of the ducks came out by themselves and went to get food, which is unheard of. One of the other ducks tried to follow but was limping and then retreated back to the hedge.

Of the two ducks that were hobbled one was definitely the worst. After doing some reading I suspected bumblefoot. I went out this morning and caught the worse duck, which couldn't run more than a few metres to try and get away. I looked at its feet and they look fine. I can't see any sores or scabs, any swelling. I've tried pushing on the ducks feet to se if it is painful but the duck has gone into survival mode and is basically playing dead so I'm sort of at a loss. I tried feeling around the belly but I couldn't feel anything obviously wrong. I can't afford to take her to the vet unfortunately, hoping someone here can offer some advice.

 

[Pyxis]

With bumblefoot ruled out, I would suggest trying them on a niacin supplement. Ducks, especially pekins, need more niacin than is in regular chicken feed. Can you get something that is labeled for ducks, or as an all flock feed, and switch them to that? I would also mix some Brewer's Yeast into it to up the niacin content even further. Then, just offer oyster shell on the side free choice, since all flock feeds don't have extra calcium mixed in.

Other things to check, do the legs or joints look swollen at all? Are they hot to the touch?

 

[Evan164]

Hi, thanks so much for replying so quickly. I will try to get a niacin supplement and some brewers yeast and see how they go.

I just rechecked her legs and they don't seem hot or swollen at all.

 

[Pyxis]

Hi, thanks so much for replying so quickly. I will try to get a niacin supplement and some brewers yeast and see how they go.

I just rechecked her legs and they don't seem hot or swollen at all.

Okay, that's good! Try the niacin and hopefully that will help. Niacin deficiency is a very common cause of leg issues in ducks. Let us know how it goes!

 

[Evan164]

I went to the feed store and got a vitamin supplement for the ducks. Whilst there, the guy said that it could be a paralysis tick, which are apparently fairly common around here (I had no idea). I have noticed that the other duck that seemed to be limping yesterday, is doing better on its own.

I took the duck out and put her in the pool for a bit, as she would not drink from the container I had provided. I checked her over but could not see any ticks. She was drinking from the pool which was good. I will check on her again tomorrow.

 

[Pyxis]

Good that she's drinking and you got them a supplement! How are they eating? Any chance you could post a picture of their poop? Poop can tell you a lot.

 

[Evan164]

Hi Pyxia,

Sorry for the slow reply, This is a dried poop she did while I was checking her over.

She seems to be doing much better, still not 100% but is able to walk around feed herself, she has been swimming with the other ducks, so i'm feeling pretty good at the moment that she is going to be ok. Thanks Pyxia for all your help.

 

[Pyxis]

View attachment 1282798


Hi Pyxia,

Sorry for the slow reply, This is a dried poop she did while I was checking her over.

She seems to be doing much better, still not 100% but is able to walk around feed herself, she has been swimming with the other ducks, so i'm feeling pretty good at the moment that she is going to be ok. Thanks Pyxia for all your help.

That's great! Sounds like things are improving. Just in case, I will tag @casportpony since she is much better at evaluating poop than I am. But it sounds like things are on the right track