Raising Mallard Ducklings

[Ravynscroft]

X3 on everything they said!

You tried... and getting sick doesn't help, I know...

 

[wakemynose]

Hi there,

I have experienced a variety of causes for this type of behavior in chicks and ducklings. It can be a vitamin deficiency (there are lots of different vitamins that could be the issue), and the cause of vitamin deficiencies are numerous. When I see this (or similar motor problems) in my babies I always get some Poly-vi-sol (a liquid vitamin supplement for infants) from the grocery store and give a few drops to any afflicted immediately then add some to their water source. Splayed legs from slippery floors is pretty clear. It will look more like it can't stop doing splits, like there isn't the strength to keep them together. It could be a contagious disease or a neurological issue, but it seems likely in your situation that it is indeed a nutritional issue. I would keep water available at all times for the duckling and I would recommend having duckling meal or non-medicated chick starter feed available as long as it has water. Ducklings cannot swallow without water and need to clean their beak and nostrils to keep them from getting blocked by feed. Steer clear of using wood shavings in the cage to avoid ingestion of the shavings. However, drowning is always a risk so provide a water dish that it cannot fall into and supervise daily bath/play times when the water is deeper.

Hope it's doing well!

 

[shawluvsbirds]

Hi there,

I have experienced a variety of causes for this type of behavior in chicks and ducklings. It can be a vitamin deficiency (there are lots of different vitamins that could be the issue), and the cause of vitamin deficiencies are numerous. When I see this (or similar motor problems) in my babies I always get some Poly-vi-sol (a liquid vitamin supplement for infants) from the grocery store and give a few drops to any afflicted immediately then add some to their water source. Splayed legs from slippery floors is pretty clear. It will look more like it can't stop doing splits, like there isn't the strength to keep them together. It could be a contagious disease or a neurological issue, but it seems likely in your situation that it is indeed a nutritional issue. I would keep water available at all times for the duckling and I would recommend having duckling meal or non-medicated chick starter feed available as long as it has water. Ducklings cannot swallow without water and need to clean their beak and nostrils to keep them from getting blocked by feed. Steer clear of using wood shavings in the cage to avoid ingestion of the shavings. However, drowning is always a risk so provide a water dish that it cannot fall into and supervise daily bath/play times when the water is deeper.

Hope it's doing well!

Hi. . thanks for being kind and posting. . but it's a good practice to read ahead first. She lost her little friend already.