My 3 week old duckling randomly can’t walk

[furbabies86]

I have four ducklings. I got them about 3 weeks ago so I don’t know if that makes them 3 weeks old or a little older. and last night everything was fine and then today one of them cannot stand up on its legs and crawls around. Flops around it’s so sad to see really and this is my first time having ducks. It eats and drinks normally but laying down. The other three are completely fine. I picked him up I don’t see anything wrong with his legs or feet. Someone told me to put some electrolytes in the water. They said sometimes this happens..pull a ligament or something and after a few days can recoup and be fine. Any ideas??

 

[21hens-incharge]

What feed are you using?
What breed is the duckling?

 

[furbabies86]

Unfortunately I do not know the breed yet. Still yellow and when we bought them they said assortment. So no actual breed name listed. We had them on with our chickens starter food which was recommended by someone as well. But today we bought a specific duck food for them. I’ll have to go look to see what kind.

 

[21hens-incharge]

The chick starter is ok BUT they need more niacin than it contains. Have you been supplementing with anything?

Can you post a pic of the duckling? There are really great knowledgeable folks on here that can identify them.

@Isaac 0 @Miss Lydia are either of you available to help here?

 

[furbabies86]

Well being a first time duck owner I did not know all of that until recently when I had asked about what we could start them off with food we were told it it’s OK to start with this type of food so they didn’t say anything other than that but now we bought Purina duck feed. . Is it possible he will get better??

 

[21hens-incharge]

Yes he can get better. He will need vitamin B.....

This is what folks recommend on here.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/durvet-hi-level-vitamin-b-complex

This thread is a great place to learn about it.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/niacin-deficiency-in-waterfowl.1367557/

 

[furbabies86]

Thanks. We did do the minerals and electrolytes in the water which they said to do. No vets out here could help me which is insane to me. He rolls on his back when he tries to move and kicks his feet until he can get back on his stomach.

 

[HomesteaderWife]

For future reference, definitely make sure to supplement Niacin for growing ducklings I hope this little sweetie pie gets better

 

[furbabies86]

Thank you. I hope so too. The food we got has niacin and all that in it. So hopefully after a few days he regains strength and gets better ! It makes me so sad to see him like that. Thank you guys.

 

[21hens-incharge]

He needs extra above what the duck feed has in it even.

That product I linked is what is recommended to direct dose him orally with.