Runner duck, 8wks old, wounded leg? Limping

[kelly77]

She is not walking like her sisters, seems he left leg is hurt...her knee stays bent when standing and she has a limp...but she is walking around, no wounds or swelling...we just noticed this yesterday..and we are not sure if its normal or if she is hurt...would like some advice before we bring her to a vet to find out its normal. We just got out ducks last week and they are so afraid of us, we think she could have banged it on something in the scurry for her life...why are they so afraid?

 

[jdywntr]

If she is limping, I would keep her in a small confined area so that she is able to rest it. Depending on your temps there, maybe some pool time to exercise it gently.
What are you feeding? Are they getting enough niacin? If you are not supplementing niacin, I would start unless you are feeding waterfowl/duck feed.

They are scared because they are runners. Runners are a very nervous breed and unless handled ALOT they will be nervous. I used to have some and they would eat out of my hand but as soon as I moved, they were off.

 

[kelly77]

They are on Blue seal grower cal pellets and we give them salad greens like spinach, kale, so on

 

[jdywntr]

I'm not familiar with Blue Seal but googled it and it is recommended for their ages. Their site does not state how much naicin is in the feed. They need 30 mg per pound of feed at this age. Check the bag or call the feed store and have them look.

I would go ahead and confine her, enough room to stand up and move around a bit with food, water and soft bedding. Make sure it is warm enough. I would also go ahead and add some niacin. You can get brewer's yeast (2-3 cups per 10lbs of feed) or add 100-150 mg per gallon of water. I find it easiest to get 500mg capsules and open them in a 5 gallon jug. If can take a few days but I would continue the niacin for all for a few weeks.

 

[kelly77]

Ok thank you...what does the niacin do? I know that is a vitamin B

 

[jdywntr]

Niacin helps with skeletal and joint development.