Raising Ducklings with Chicks & Niacin...

[Miss Lydia]

Till at least 8-10 weeks old this is when they are growing the fastest. ACVis apple cider vinegar .

 

[R2elk]

Ok, I will not mix ACV into the water, but what is ACV?

And prior to this was I suppose to be?

So, I now have started the Niacin supplement, how long do I give it to them, until their legs are straight, adult, or forever?

ACV is Apple Cider Vinegar. Many think that ACV is a wonder cure and give it at times when it has been proven to be harmful. If you have not been giving it there is no problem. ACV given in times of high temperatures can cause the body to not properly absorb calcium which is harmful.

 

[Bettyboop7499]

So...I split a 500mg Niacin capsule between three water sources 2-1gallon drinkers and a 2gl bather that they drink out of. For four ducklings and 18 chicks. If they all get equal amounts of water which they don't and some water spills out, that is approximately 27mg for each bird. Does anyone see a problem with this setup?

 

[Bettyboop7499]

The Xtra niacin in chickens has been shown to help with egg laying so it a bonus.

Oh, that is a bonus!

 

[Miss Lydia]

R2elk do you have info on ACV and what you said about being harmful I’d appreciate it please.

 

[HelplessHomeSteader]

http://www.poultrydvm.com/condition/niacin-deficiency
This link has doseage for chicks

 

[CayugaJana]

So...I split a 500mg Niacin capsule between three water sources 2-1gallon drinkers and a 2gl bather that they drink out of. For four ducklings and 18 chicks. If they all get equal amounts of water which they don't and some water spills out, that is approximately 27mg for each bird. Does anyone see a problem with this setup?

Do you have any treats? If you are using the powder, you could very lightly wet a treat and roll it around in the niacin. I cup my hand deep so I can feed only who needs the medicine or vitamins. Not that there is anything wrong with it being in the water. I just like to give a concentrated dose so I know approximately how much they are getting. Plus less waste. Pekins who are showing symptoms need around 100mgs of niacin per bird/per day. If they get more, they will just pee and poop out the extra.

 

[R2elk]

R2elk do you have info on ACV and what you said about being harmful I’d appreciate it please.

Since the change over on the internet many good sites are no longer available. Here is one

"There are also opponents of apple cider vinegar. They claim that apple cider vinegar has negative effects. The most notable that acidifying your chicken’s water can decrease calcium intake from their food. This is simple chemistry – calcium, a positive ion, is taken in best in alkaline conditions."

https://www.redfeatherfarm.net/nutrition/supplements/raw-apple-cider-vinegar-folklore-fact/

There are many advocates of ACV, I tried and it and found no benefit and in the case of what I consider a false claim (using ACV will decrease pasty butt) my trial showed a huge increase in pasty butt where I had few cases to none prior to trying ACV which caused many cases of pasty butt.

As for use in people, there is plenty of information that indicates using ACV leads to loss of bone density which definitely indicates an interference with the proper absorption of calcium.

 

[llombardo]

I raised 3 ducks and 4 chickens together. I didn't give additional niacin, but I did inadvertently give it to them in foods I fed like peas, pasta, cottage cheese and oatmeal. It worked out well, they got try different things and they all are the same things.

 

[Bettyboop7499]

Do you have any treats? If you are using the powder, you could very lightly wet a treat and roll it around in the niacin. I cup my hand deep so I can feed only who needs the medicine or vitamins. Not that there is anything wrong with it being in the water. I just like to give a concentrated dose so I know approximately how much they are getting. Plus less waste. Pekins who are showing symptoms need around 100mgs of niacin per bird/per day. If they get more, they will just pee and poop out the extra.

I haven't tried feeding them by hand, I could try that they are pretty friendly. Thank you! I'll let you know how it goes.