Rescued duck who can't walk

[MissCasey]

I just rescued a 6 week old Pekin ducking. He was meant as a meat bird, but couldn't walk at all and was getting trampled by the other ducks. I don't know much about ducks but I knew I had to try and help him and thankfully the owner was willing to part with him!!

It appears that his feet might be broken, the curl in and he can't stand or walk. He gets around by dragging his body by his beak. I put him in a kiddy pool (likely the first time ever swimming) it took him a bit to get his balance, both legs moved but one foot stayed curled up and the other only partly opened.

I am limited in funds and nearest vet is a large animal vet (I live in the middle of no where in MN)

I am thinking maybe make braces for his feet? Regular swimming will likely help. Should I try to suspend him to get him off his belly and legs?

Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Amiga]

I have read that thiamine, another B vitamin, can help with leg problems. A B complex may be worth a try.

Keep up the water therapy, great idea! Peopke have made carts for mobility for ducklings.

 

[DwayneNLiz]

DNL that is a great video

i wont even tell you that i found it on accident

 

[Miss Lydia]

150mgs to 1 gallon of water.

 

[MrsEskew]

I've read to some Niacin to put in its water and some brewer's yeast for its food when a duck has leg problems. You can find Niacin in the pharmacy and brewer yeast at a feed store. Ducks need both of those and some feeds don't have it.

 

[MrsEskew]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/crippled-legs-on-new-pekin-ducks.329996/

Here's another read about it. May find some good tips in it.

 

[DwayneNLiz]

@MissCasey you have received some great information already in regards to vitamins, and i am with Miss Lydia as far as the water therapy
i am sure he is loving being able to swim around
he may be too old to correct his feet but you could try
trace his feet on something sturdy like card board then tape it to the bottom of his feet to get the web to the right shape/direction with electrical tape

this video may help too

 

[Miss Lydia]

You did great and having someone show me how to do something is so much better than having it explained.

 

[MissCasey]

Finally got some Niacin today. Won't drink the water if it's in there so I'm going to try the food.

Been doing the water therapy, already seeing some improvement! I hope we are on the road to recovery!

 

[WVduckchick]

@MissCasey nice rescue! Hope you get him fixed up. Can you post some pics?