Leg Problem

[teriz1091]

we have 2 Pekin ducks that are 7 weeks old. Today, one of them was in their kiddie pool for a long time, even after the other one got out. They usually stick right together. After a while, we went to check on it, & the duck didn’t seem able to get out on its own. We helped it out, but it couldn’t stand. It was walking with its whole leg on the ground, hock to foot. It hasn’t moved much since getting out of the pool.

I’ve read some on here about a niacin deficiency potentially causing problems. They have been eating a 20% turkey grower, as the feed store we use doesn’t have a duck specific ration. I’m planning on getting brewer’s yeast to add to the feed.

What amount of brewer’s yeast would I need to add?

Also, is a leg problem such as this, assuming it is a niacin deficiency, something that can be cured nutritionally? Or is this something that will have crippled the duck?

 

[CayugaJana]

Usually with rest, exercise, and vitamins they are fine. If you want brewers or nutritional yeast to use once it’s feeling better you can do that. However in the meantime, you want a more concentrated dose of niacin. Do you have a TSC or Walmart near you? Or their equivalents?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Do they have an easy way in and out of the pool? just checking if lil one could be injured.

But please go with @CayugaJana 's rec.

 

[teriz1091]

I do need to improve their access into & out of the pool. I do not believe it is an injury from this, though. I’m fairly certain it’s a niacin deficiency. I read a couple old threads on here, & I gave it 1ml of Poly-Vi-Sol tonight. It was not a fan. I know this isn’t the best solution, as the iron can be an issue, but for the moment it’s what I’ve got.

Is this something that may be permanent? If so, & I had to cull this duck, would it negatively affect its buddy? They do live with 4 chicks that stick pretty close to them, but the ducks obviously prefer each other’s company.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Please try and get the B complex liquid it will be better than the poly vi sol especially if it contains iron. Give this lil one a chance at recovery before culling it may take as few as a few days or longer than a week depending on how severe, but yes it will impact the other one if he loses his buddy ducks bond more to their own species.

Try and give some good water therapy warm water would be best so he can exercise his leg with out weight of his body and keep this one from trying to keep up with the rest of his flock till you see improvement and get a good doses of the B complex into him.

Please keep us updated

 

[teriz1091]

I’d rather not cull the duck, I just didn’t know if this would be a permanent issue that will give it a poor quality of life. I’ll pick up some of the B complex as soon as I am able. We’ve been keeping that group confined to their pen to minimize him/her moving too much trying to keep up with the others. Hopefully we’ll see some improvement soon.

 

[Miss Lydia]

It's amazing how these birds can come back with help from us so hopefully you'll be able to get the B complex soon and help this lil one. Not a complete guarantee but we have seen some amazing results.

 

[teriz1091]

Has anyone heard of sunflower seeds in the ducks’ diet to help their legs?

 

[CayugaJana]

I would use vegetables or food with niacin in it as a preventative. However if you have ducks showing symptoms, you need concentrated b vitamins. Then you can keep them healthy with food or treats once they are better.

 

[CayugaJana]

I just mixed a lot of the liquid b vitamin complex with my ducks favorite treat. Mealworms. Stirred it up and they ate it like crazy.