My Duck Has Randomly Stopped Using Its Legs

[mads6701]

2 months ago, my family purchased 7 baby ducklings, 2 pekins, 1 mallard, 2 black runners, and 2 magpies. The smaller of the black runners developed behind the rest of the ducks and would sometimes have labored breathing but was fine besides that. Recently, as in the last few days, he has stopped using his legs. I woke up one morning and he was laying on the ground, legs sprawled back, and the other ducks were staying away from it. The day before, my mom noticed he had some slight stumbling and balance issues, but nothing too severe or noticeable. Now, he used his wings to move itself on the ground instead of trying to use his legs. It was almost as if he were paralyzed, but he can still move his legs, and he can tell when I touch them. On top of this, his labored breathing has increased as well as his nervousness. Sometimes, he twists his neck to the right and drops his head into his bowl of food but he can keep his head up for the most part. I woke up this morning and he had moved from where I placed him in the grass last night, a good 5 meters at least, and it looks like the other ducks attacked him because he was missing feathers all down his back and the skin was raw. He eats and drinks still, but only lightly. The exotic vet is unavailable for at least a week, and I want to figure out what is wrong and what I can do ASAP. Does anyone have any ideas? Thank you!

 

[AquaDuck]

Niacin deficiency is nr 1 culprit when it comes to ducks and leg problems. They need more niacin than, say chickens, so feed formulated for other poultry can get them in trouble. Try giving either a complex vitamin B, or niconitamide (niacin), or both. B-vitamines are water soluble so it's almost impossible to overdose. Either buy liquid or dissolve tablets and add to their drinking water.

 

[chickens really]

Ticks? Botulism?