Pekin Duckling Limp/Crooked Foot

[natem1270]

Hello, I have three six week (and one day) old Pekin ducklings. The largest of the group, Moose, is seeming to have increasing trouble walking. While he was indoors it looked like he just moved a little funny but without major issues. Now that he has more space to move around I have been noticing it more and more. His left foot seems to be turned a little bit inward. He tends to sit more than the others as well. He can still move around, it just seems to be a laborious task.

My fear is that even though he has a size advantage on all five of my other birds he will get picked on endlessly. His two brothers don't give him a hard time, but he will eventually be introduced to three adult males. During the last introduction I saw a lot of aggression at first and I don't know how well he would handle this.

My question is, would simply adding some sort of supplement like Niacin/B12 a good response to this? I have a local veterinarian I can go to if needed... but I figured I would ask you guys first in case I'm setting myself up to pay $70 to be told to add supplemental Niacin without further input. I hope I have not waited too long and there is some sort of action that I can still take.

 

[DuckyDonna]

Definatly add B-complex to his diet! You can get it at Tractor Supply. 1ml over something treats that he'll eat right up every day!

 

[Miss Lydia]

We’ve seen miracles using this Liquid B Complex. I’d get it ASAP

 

[natem1270]

Thanks for the input @Miss Lydia @DuckyDonna

Just to be clear, this can be fed to the other healthy ducks as well?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Defiantly great for all water fowl. When one is having problems it’s best to give it straight so they get full dose. Instead of putting in their water.

 

[natem1270]

Defiantly great for all water fowl. When one is having problems it’s best to give it straight so they get full dose. Instead of putting in their water.

Give straight as in separate the problem duck and provide them with a full dose in their own water bowl? Or give it straight as in use a dropper to give it to him directly? Comfortable with either approach, just wanted to make sure.

 

[Miss Lydia]

When giving any liquid via mouth you have to be extremely careful so they don’t aspirate on it. You can do it that way if you know how but most feel more comfortable giving it over a tasty treat. Like mealworms something they will gobble right down and just enough treat that they finish it all. You can bring the duck out long enough to give full dose to him and treat everyone else via their water. Or save the liquid just for special treatments and put Nutritional yeast over everyone else’s food your duck with the issues can safely eat it too. It’s very hard for them to OD on b complex since it’s water soluble and they will pee what their body doesn’t need.

 

[Duckfarmer1]

Can you post a picture of Moose’s leg? Pekins are prone to legs turning inwards due to their body frame and size...I’ve had it happen, sadly with a few of mine..arthritis becomes an issue. Try to make sure you don’t over feed these little ones...I know it’s hard..but...the bigger they get, the more weightbearing issues they can have

 

[natem1270]

When giving any liquid via mouth you have to be extremely careful so they don’t aspirate on it. You can do it that way if you know how but most feel more comfortable giving it over a tasty treat. Like mealworms something they will gobble right down and just enough treat that they finish it all. You can bring the duck out long enough to give full dose to him and treat everyone else via their water. Or save the liquid just for special treatments and put Nutritional yeast over everyone else’s food your duck with the issues can safely eat it too. It’s very hard for them to OD on b complex since it’s water soluble and they will pee what their body doesn’t need.

I'll just have him eat alone with the supplement on top to be safe. Thank you!

Can you post a picture of Moose’s leg? Pekins are prone to legs turning inwards due to their body frame and size...I’ve had it happen, sadly with a few of mine..arthritis becomes an issue. Try to make sure you don’t over feed these little ones...I know it’s hard..but...the bigger they get, the more weightbearing issues they can have

I will when I get home... but I'm probably over feeding them. Is there a daily amount they should be consuming? My ducks have had access too feed through most of the day and night.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Any ducks you have over 6 weeks don’t need food an water over night and Pekins are notorious for over eating. And you def want to watch their weight. Do your free range or are they penned all the time? Exercise is really good for all our birds not running but just getting out swimming and foraging around.