Picky duck

[Mills mini farm]

We just got 2 ducks given to us. All they eat is oatmeal. I have tried All flock. They won’t eat it. One of them will not walk now . I have read some posts abt niacin and using bread as a way to give it to them. And they don’t eat bread. Any advice to help expand their diet?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Get liquid b complex mix a small amt

of oatmeal along with a small amount of their feed mix the b complex into it let them eat the whole of it to get their whole dose. 1 ml is what they need. Sounds to me they are suffering niacin deficiency and the liquid b complex helps the best an quickest

 

[Isaac 0]

How old are these ducks? Could you post a picture of them?

 

[Mills mini farm]

How old are these ducks? Could you post a picture of them?

 

[Mills mini farm]

They are young... they don’t quite have all their feathers yet.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Oat meal is not a well balanced diet so they are suffering from a deficiency, starting them off on oatmeal with a small amount of feed mixed in even warm water mash then as they eat it like that gradually take a little oatmeal away until they eating only their feed. Who started them on oatmeal?

 

[Isaac 0]

Sounds like the previous owner wasn't treating them well, they were probably fed a scratch grain diet that would explain their reluctance towards normal duck feed, looks like they have some feather loss around their eye as well, which may indicate lack of deep water to dunk their heads in. I suggest you mix some duck feed/all flock feed in with whatever they will eat, you can slowly start introducing more amounts, and hopefully after a few days they will eat the duck feed with pleasure.

Pekins are fast growers that need a well- balanced diet, or they will suffer from leg problems as well as many other problems related to an incorrect diet. Since they aren't eating the duck feed I suggest you put some poultry vitamins in their water so they can at least get some needed vitamins. I'd probably start them on B complex also, since they are already starting to show signs of a B3 deficiency. @Miss Lydia Gave you the dosage for that. With some attentive care they should be good in no time.

Also....Welcome to BYC!

 

[Mills mini farm]

Oat meal is not a well balanced diet so they are suffering from a deficiency, starting them off on oatmeal with a small amount of feed mixed in even warm water mash then as the eat it like that gradually take a little oatmeal away until they eating only their feed. Who started them on oatmeal?

A 20 some year old girl got them from friend. And then I got them.. I haven’t had ducks before so I am doing a lot of reading! This is a great sight for advice and support!

 

[Miss Lydia]

That’s great just know we’re here to help if we can. Wishing you much enjoyment with your ducks!

 

[MugsyM]

Listen to @Miss Lydia. She won't steer you wrong and has helped me out numerous times.