Niacin deficiency in duckling

[RobinT21]

Hi all! This is my second year raising ducks. I know that pekin ducks require much more niacin in their diet due to their size and weight. I have always supplemented niacin with all of my flock food through brewers yeast. My 1.5 year old ducks have never had leg issues. This year, I purchased two ducklings to brood with my youngest duckling. The two that I bought, both seem to have had a niacin deficiency from the start. The male has significant bowing in his legs, while the female has weakness. I have been using the added brewer’s yeast to their food, but it has only been a couple of weeks. Would it be wise to buy niacin pills and add the powder to their water or food to see improvement more quickly?

 

[RobinT21]

Hi all! This is my second year raising ducks. I know that pekin ducks require much more niacin in their diet due to their size and weight. I have always supplemented niacin with all of my flock food through brewers yeast. My 1.5 year old ducks have never had leg issues. This year, I purchased two ducklings to brood with my youngest duckling. The two that I bought, both seem to have had a niacin deficiency from the start. The male has significant bowing in his legs, while the female has weakness. I have been using the added brewer’s yeast to their food, but it has only been a couple of weeks. Would it be wise to buy niacin pills and add the powder to their water or food to see improvement more quickly?

I will add that I have been giving the ducklings nutrena duckling crumbles as well as sprinkling the top of the food with a little extra brewers yeast. I try to let them swim every day to strengthen their legs and relieve some of the pressure on their joints.

 

[CoriM]

I think the best way to up their niacin is to use the liquid vitamin B complex. It says injectable, but you give it to them orally. You can put it over their food or give it to them over treats - don't worry about overdosing, just worry about making sure they get enough!

 

[RobinT21]

I will order some today! Thank you so much.

 

[Grammy Jo]

How much liquid b3 to give to 4 week old lemon showing deficiency

 

[Grammy Jo]

I think the best way to up their niacin is to use the liquid vitamin B complex. It says injectable, but you give it to them orally. You can put it over their food or give it to them over treats - don't worry about overdosing, just worry about making sure they get enough!

How much would I give to a 4 week old Pekin duckling showing deficiency?

 

[CoriM]

1 ml over a treat

 

[Grammy Jo]

1ml a day?

 

[BelovedBirds]

1ml a day?

yes, until all better.

 

[CoriM]

You can put it over something like tiny pieces of watermelon, peas, meal worms for the duck that's struggling - you definitely want her to have the full dose every day. You can add extra to their water, and also add nutritional yeast or brewer's yeast to their food to assure they're getting enough.