Pekin Duck Issue

[smgustaf]

I have a Pekin Drake that is about 3 years old (his name is Marshmallow). He has been on Niacin supplementation since he was a duckling and has done fine since then until now. Now suddenly he has been pushing his beak into the ground and holds it there. He is still eating and drinking but not grooming as well as before and can not wander as far as the rest of the flock when they are free ranging during the day. Curious if anyone is familiar with an issue like this. I tried to upload a video but it wouldn’t let me so here is a picture of what he is doing. The issue I am describing (and pictured) is not normal foraging behavior or anything as I have had ducks for about 5 years and I am familiar with those behaviors. He just presses his beak down to the ground tilting his body back and holds it there. I would say he does this about a quarter of the time in his day.
Thank you so much for your time.

 

[Jenbirdee]

What does his poop look like?

 

[Goosebaby]

How we get around the video issue is by posting to YouTube, Vimeo, instagram, or another external site and then just link back to it.

 

[smgustaf]

Does he have any hens? He almost looks like he could be trying to mate without a mate.

Yes, we have several and one that he particularly bonded to.

 

[smgustaf]

What does his poop look like?

I am not quite sure.

 

[smgustaf]

View attachment 4307425I have a Pekin Drake that is about 3 years old (his name is Marshmallow). He has been on Niacin supplementation since he was a duckling and has done fine since then until now. Now suddenly he has been pushing his beak into the ground and holds it there. He is still eating and drinking but not grooming as well as before and can not wander as far as the rest of the flock when they are free ranging during the day. Curious if anyone is familiar with an issue like this. I tried to upload a video but it wouldn’t let me so here is a picture of what he is doing. The issue I am describing (and pictured) is not normal foraging behavior or anything as I have had ducks for about 5 years and I am familiar with those behaviors. He just presses his beak down to the ground tilting his body back and holds it there. I would say he does this about a quarter of the time in his day.
Thank you so much for your time.

View attachment 4307425I have a Pekin Drake that is about 3 years old (his name is Marshmallow). He has been on Niacin supplementation since he was a duckling and has done fine since then until now. Now suddenly he has been pushing his beak into the ground and holds it there. He is still eating and drinking but not grooming as well as before and can not wander as far as the rest of the flock when they are free ranging during the day. Curious if anyone is familiar with an issue like this. I tried to upload a video but it wouldn’t let me so here is a picture of what he is doing. The issue I am describing (and pictured) is not normal foraging behavior or anything as I have had ducks for about 5 years and I am familiar with those behaviors. He just presses his beak down to the ground tilting his body back and holds it there. I would say he does this about a quarter of the time in his day.
Thank you so much for your time.

Here is a link to a video: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ls21...ey=9y9fjyg92ce5k9tv9q3f6l70a&st=or9vl6bj&dl=0

 

[Jenbirdee]

It looks like a balance issue , like he’s just trying to get his balance. I do have an eight-year-old pekin female who uses walls or fences to press against while she tries to preen, Because her legs are pretty tired of holding her heavy little body up at this point, and she starts to fall over when she tries to reach her tummy for preening.
When you say that he has been on niacin supplementation all his life what do you mean what product? What form of niacin and what amount?
Also, if you could get a picture of his poop and post it , that can help figure out what’s maybe going on in case there’s something infectious or neurological.
You can also Check both of his legs carefully feel them up and down all the way from the toes up to the hip joint compare them with each other. Are there any warm spots? Is there anything that feels bulging or out of place?

 

[Goosebaby]

@Jenbirdee is right, this is a balance issue. Balance issues can be caused by diet or by a disease or physical disabilities with the nervous system or limbs. I had a duck who more or less always walked like he was drunk because of a congenital issue.

What feed are they on by the way?

 

[smgustaf]

I am not quite sure.

Yesterday it appeared to have a good amount of fecal matter. It looked tan/white and watery (after free ranging).

 

[smgustaf]

@Jenbirdee is right, this is a balance issue. Balance issues can be caused by diet or by a disease or physical disabilities with the nervous system or limbs. I had a duck who more or less always walked like he was drunk because of a congenital issue.

What feed are they on by the way?

Naturewise All Flock 20% protein pellets, free-ranging, and some grubs as treats. Oyster shell always available.