Pekin ducklings not walking a lot

[Lex123]

I have 2 pekin ducklings about 2 weeks old. One is more energetic than the other. I started giving them a vitamin B complex about 5 days ago. Because they would just not want to walk at all. They seem to be getting better with walking. But one of them still doesn’t seem as energetic as the other. Can it just be his/her personality? Or should I be worried. Still lays down more than the other. I give 1ml of vitamin B complex everyday to both of them to share on top of mealworms. (For niacin) Should I give more? Thanks! (I also let them swim for 20 minutes daily)

 

[Isaac 0]

Considering the amount of niacin you're giving, I would doubt the reluctance to walk would be associated with a niacin deficit.
To some degree, I would associate the lack of walking with simply growing; Pekins are a larger breed and grow at an extremely fast rate - this can sometimes put a strain on their legs.
How does their pen area look like? Ducklings will simply sit all day if there is a lack of activities to do. If your pen is on the smaller side, try increasing the brooder space, and adding some fun objects for them to play on such as logs.

 

[DuckDuckSook]

One of my runners was this way for several weeks. I had done all the added niacin (tablets, nutritional yeast, and b complex) and she was still more likely to lay down and rest than the other 3. She was the biggest one I had. I stressed about it like crazy but she ended up just needing that time to grow. She is fine now and shows no signs of any issues. I think that as long as you are providing everything nutritionally that they need, then you are good. They might just need time. Hope this is helpful!

 

[Lex123]

Considering the amount of niacin you're giving, I would doubt the reluctance to walk would be associated with a niacin deficit.
To some degree, I would associate the lack of walking with simply growing; Pekins are a larger breed and grow at an extremely fast rate - this can sometimes put a strain on their legs.
How does their pen area look like? Ducklings will simply sit all day if there is a lack of activities to do. If your pen is on the smaller side, try increasing the brooder space, and adding some fun objects for them to play on such as logs.

Okay thank you so much. I have them in an extra large cage indoors. I will definitely try to get them out more and give them things to play with to get them more active. I appreciate the advice!

 

[Lex123]

One of my runners was this way for several weeks. I had done all the added niacin (tablets, nutritional yeast, and b complex) and she was still more likely to lay down and rest than the other 3. She was the biggest one I had. I stressed about it like crazy but she ended up just needing that time to grow. She is fine now and shows no signs of any issues. I think that as long as you are providing everything nutritionally that they need, then you are good. They might just need time. Hope this is helpful!

Yes I’ve been very stressed but you saying this made me feel a little better! She is not bigger than my other pekin duckling but they are growing very fast. I did buy some brewers yeast so I might mix that in their food also to help with the extra boost. I have been letting them swim every day to keep them healthy and get their legs moving. Lol