Sick 7 week old indian runner duckling

[elizabeth21]

I have a flock of 6 indian runners, 3 adults and 3 ducklings that are 7 weeks old. About a week ago, I noticed that one of the ducklings was limping. I checked it out, it looked fine, nothing in its feet, appeared healthy otherwise. This week I've kept a close eye on it and have been giving it a variety of special treatment. I've done 2 epsom salt flushes, added brewers yeast to all their feed, given it fresh yogurt, electrolytes, lots of kale & fresh fruit, the list goes on. Anyway, it's still more or less unable to walk, hobbles around balancing itself with its wings. It's eyes were foamy earlier in the week, but have started clearing up. It eats a lot, drinks a lot and appears healthy, although it looks stunted compared to the other 2 ducklings and it's feather are not coming in as nicely.

All the other ducks are doing great. I keep their coop clean, they free range all day on a fenced quarter acre and have access to lots of water that we change 2x per day.

Does anyone have any insight? How long would be acceptable to allow it to live with such limited mobility?

I would like to point out that while I very much care for them and am willing to do a lot to ensure they are healthy, taking it to the vet is unpractical as they are not really pets.

I would appreciate any thoughts, suggestions, ideas anyone might have on the matter.

Thank you!

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Is the water source deep enough for head dunking and eye washing? I would add some Apple Cider Vinegar to the water ASAP. Protein in diet is required for feather development. Not sure on cause of the limp tho. If dietary, the Brewer's Yeast should cover that. Bumble , I think you'd observe . @Amiga is super knowledgable about Runners, maybe she's got an idea ?

 

[Amiga]

Well, I think I would slow down on the treats, stick with the brewer's yeast, get some Vetericyn or make some saline solution and gently mist the eyes three times a day.

Make sure the little has a head washer, and like HollyDuckFarmer said, a little ACV in the water. Like, a teaspoon per quart.

I would say the flushes may have been a little rough on the system, that is a risk with giving laxatives. So electrolytes could be unbalanced, as well as gut flora. I would add electrolytes with probiotics (you can get poultry vitamins with electrolytes and probiotics - that is what I use) once a week to the water for the next six weeks. I would keep the trio of littles a little more confined for a week or two, at least for most of the day, mostly to keep the ailing one a bit quieter, and keep it from being lonely. If it doesn't seem that last bit will work, after you have tried, you may need to reconsider.

I think it may have been a B vitamin deficiency from the start, and I would work on restoring balance in the little's digestive system.