Niacin Deficiency

[Carrieorin]

I've been doing a lot of reading on this because I have notice 2 out of my 3, 4 week old ducklings feet are pointed inwards. The first couple days I have noticed this I used "Natures Bounty" Niacin, I haven't seen any improvement. I am on day 3 and I had decided to use "Nutri-Drench" it's a rich nutrition supplement. Am I trying to rush their improvement or should I already be seeing some sort of improvement? Is there a time frame I should go by? If I took them to a vet can they fix it? I am worried! Is this something that will eventually result in death or can they live long with the defect? Sorry for all the questions but while I was reading up on this, those are the questions I really didn't find answers for. Thanks in advance

 

[jducour]

I'm no expert, but if your ducklings are showing outward signs of a Niacin deficiency, it could follow them for the rest of their lives if not corrected early. I have read it can shorten their lifespan if not treated. I'm sure this is referring to severe cases though, and yours sounds mild. Do you have a way of posting pictures? There are a lot of really smart, helpful people here - you definitely came to the right place. Nutri-drench isn't going to hurt, but it won't help this particular problem. Have you tried using brewers yeast? Not bakers - brewers. Usually found at health food stores. If the legs are bowed, they may need more help than nutrition. Again, pictures will help with everyone knowing where you need to go next.

I'm glad you are here!

 

[jducour]

I forgot to ask - what exactly are you feeding them? Please list their main diet, brand name and type, treats and supplements. Young ducks will show outward signs of malnutrition very young, so there is a chance you may need to change what you are feeding them.

 

[Carrieorin]

Thanks for getting back with me. I will get a pic soon so you can see. At the local TSC we have here does not supply feed for ducklings. They sell feed for older ducks. I had gotten help from TSC and they had said feed them "Dumor poultry grower/finisher" and mix "Farmers helper UltraKibble for chicks" The Dumor brand contains niacin but I didn't see on the package if the UltraKibble contained any. I didn't like the idea they didn't have feed for them. I jotted down some notes from reading to feed them the same feed for young turkeys and/or water fowl chick starter, stuff that the local TSC does not carry I'm not sure where I can get the correct feed. How long should I try to fix the issue myself before I find a vet I can have them looked at. I have 1 duckling that looks and acts really healthy but occasionally it sounds like he/she is sneezing. Is there anything I should do for that one. They are all inside the house. I have 2 large bins that get cleaned at least 3-4 times a day so they stay pretty clean. By morning they are soaked and by the time I get out of work they are soaked. Wonder if that is making the one sick!?!

 

[Carrieorin]

Hunter (on the top) that is him walking, he is worse than Pumpkin (on bottom) they both walk fine for now but they sit a lot too. They literally run around the house as well. Hoping this can be fixed