Limping Duckling

[AmsVito229]

I came home tonight to find my smallest duckling limping and unable to walk as if she's bow-legged. She tends to be limping on the left with no sign of injury to the leg, but maybe some type of hip issue. She immediately wanted to be held and snuggled next to my dog, both of which she hates to do. Can you please suggest maybe what to do or where to turn to for answers?

 

[Orca5094]

What are you feeding your ducklings? If they are getting chick feed, are you adding niacin or brewer's yeast to their food? Unmedicated chicken feed is ok for ducks, but you must add either niacin or brewer's yeast to their food for them to develop normally since ducks need that. Niacin deficiency usually shows up initially as leg problems, but they can usually be fixed by adding niacin or brewers's yeast asap.

If that isn't the issue, I would just try to let the little guy rest the leg as much as possible since there is no sign of injury or swelling (is that leg warmer than the other?). If there are others who are possibly knocking this guy around or walking over it due to the leg problems, you can try separating this one where it can still see the others. Could just be a sprain or strain that will heal on it's own after a few days or so with plenty of rest.

 

[AmsVito229]

There is zero sign of trauma and both leg look the same. The right hip appears to maybe be weak or rotated, but feels the same as the left otherwise.

This is the food that Tractor Supply suggested. He initially gave me a bag of starter next to the display but switched to this when I asked about the extra nutrients that ducklings needed. I will get some niacin and brewers yeast today.

Thanks so much for your quick reply. I feel so bad for her!

 

[Orca5094]

No problem! And you only need one of those things (either Niacin or brewer's yeast) since they do the same thing. Add some to their food or water and that should help. Here's some good info for you on doses and niacin deficiency in general:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...ies-in-goslings-ducklings-growth-leg-problems

 

[jak2002003]

Hope your duckling gets better soon...

If its the lack of Niacin causing the problem you should see a good improvement in only a few days.

 

[AmsVito229]

Any suggestion for getting them to drink the water with the niacin in it? I've waited all day for them to actually drink it! They typically go thru 3 gallons a day, but won't touch it now. :/.

 

[Orca5094]

Wow, really? Mine never noticed a difference in the water when I started adding vitamins and niacin, even though it changed color.

Have you tried gently dipping their bills into the water? That usually initiates an automatic response to swallow, then they should realize it is still water.

 

[jak2002003]

Do they have other water besides the one you added the vitamin to? Are you putting in the correct dose?

The Niacin has no taste... so I don't understand why they are not drinking... they always drink when they eat to wash the food down too.... so are they still eating?

 

[AmsVito229]

They finally gave in and started drinking when they were hungry enough. That's the only water they have since they are still so young. I mixed 100 mg to a gallon of water like the link said to do. They're not as crazy about the water now, but they're drinking it. I hope the niacin helps!!

 

[Orca5094]

Glad to hear they started drinking it! We definitely don't want to put them off food and water just to get them that niacin, so I'm glad they gave in. Are you mixing it really well so they can't see powder or feel anything weird in the water? Just so strange they noticed. All well, just happy they are drinking again!