Pekin duckling can't walk

[LisaChick1]

One of my pekin ducklings (1 month 3 weeks old) began to limp about a week ago after I saw her hit her foot on a stepping stone. I inspected her feet and see no cuts and no swelling and no sign of infection. The limp seemed to get worse every day. She has been laying down constantly and only runs if approached about to be picked up. At feeding time she honks from her spot where she's laying down and I bring food and water and she stays there, she does not get up to get food but has an appetite and is drinking. Her stools look normal. Today she now will not walk or stand whatsoever. It seems both her legs are out. She honked for me to get her when I fed the animals. It is so incredibly sad. She let me pick her up and carry her to see the others and I laid her in the pool to swim where she drank happily but didn't move her feet. I then carried her back to her spot without her fighting or trying to get away at all. I brought her more food and filled up fresh water and she ate and dark laying down. She will not even attempt to lift herself up. All my other ducks are healthy and strong. What could it be and please any suggestions on helping her would be greatly appreciated. I don't want her to suffer.

 

[GitaBooks]

I'm sorry to hear that.

Here are the reasons it could be having trouble:
Niacin deficiency (offer brewers yeast)
Paralysis
Growing too fast (Pekins are infamous for leg problems associated with growing too fast)

I do hope she can get better. Best of luck!

 

[HeritageGoose13]

This is strange. I would suggest niacin supplement, oyster shells, and some electrolytes.

 

[LisaChick1]

Thank you for responding. I gave her yeast which she ate and offered oyster shell. She has been drinking water with a splash of apple cider vinegar in it and I just put her in the bath... But she seemed to be even more miserable in the tub, she was shaking like it was painful to hold herself up and would slightly move her feet so I took her out and have her in a crate with hay water and food. She happily eats and drinks but just lays there. I'm so confused and concerned. I really don't know what to do.

 

[pineapple416]

Our mallard duck Tiny had a problem with walking when he was a duckling, but for a different reason. We put him in a large container for swimming almost everyday to strengthen his legs, and gave him electrolytes called Save a Chick powder. He gets around better now, but not the same as other ducks. Something that could help is comfrey, you could put a comfrey salve or poultice on her feet and legs, it is good for sprains and other injuries. Be careful not to give her a lot of comfrey though. I'm not exactly sure how to help your duck, but what I've learned with our ducks is to not give up on them and give them time to heal unless they are suffering.

 

[rizonia]

I'm having issues with a duckling not walking as well. At a total loss, and feel so badly! Know how you're feeling. I just posted for help as well. Good luck with her.

 

[LisaChick1]

I'm having issues with a duckling not walking as well. At a total loss, and feel so badly! Know how you're feeling. I just posted for help as well. Good luck with her.

I'm sorry. Sending good thoughts your way as well. So sad... Feeling so bad cause it seems nothing is helping her.

 

[rizonia]

That's how I feel as well! I'm doing everything I have found. I see small improvements but then I feel they should be faster, and more. I'm exhausted.