Something wrong with my Pekin Duck

[Graceeelizabeth5]

About two weeks ago one of my Pekin ducks stopped walking, and eating. She's about 9 weeks old, and hasn't had any issues prior. We checked for bumblefoot and she had maybe two tiny spots that we took care of right away. Well she's still not walking and her legs are swollen. So then we started spraying, and wrapping them daily and we got her own little pool so she could bathe. Since she wasn't with the other ducks out wandering, I figured she was getting lonely so I started to put the 8 week old chicks in her pen and it's been such a transition. She's eating, drinking and getting her spunk back, but she is still not walking what could this be? I've heard about Niacin deficiencies but wouldn't she be showing symptoms of that from hatch? Since wrapping, her swelling has been going down.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I've heard about Niacin deficiencies but wouldn't she be showing symptoms of that from hatch?

No, there may have been enough niacin in the hatching egg to support the bird through hatch. But not enough in the feed to support a still growing bird on an ongoing basis.

What are you feeding including treats and supplements? What are you spraying and wrapping her legs with? Can you post a pic of the swelling?

Glad to hear some company is perking her up!

 

[Graceeelizabeth5]

No, there may have been enough niacin in the hatching egg to support the bird through hatch. But not enough in the feed to support a still growing bird on an ongoing basis.



What are you feeding including treats and supplements? What are you spraying and wrapping her legs with? Can you post a pic of the swelling?

Glad to hear some company is perking her up!

She has been trying to stand up today, but shes using her wings and bill to keep her up, but it's still progress. The swelling has gone down so much.

 

[Miss Lydia]

She needs the liquid b complex in the Durvet it's in the cattle section at TSC it will say injectable but just peel off the foil and take a dropper and pull out 1 ml put it over something she loves just enough treat so she gets the full dose. do this 2X a day. Unless she has a wound I doubt the Veterycin will do any good. and don't wrap you might cut off circulation. Get the liquid b and let her have water therapy a couple times a day. The liquid B complex has all the necessary B vitamins to help with leg issues Pekin and other large ducks can have.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

She has been trying to stand up today, but shes using her wings and bill to keep her up, but it's still progress. The swelling has gone down so much.

Progress is great!

I didn't see what you are feeding? Most ducklings will need to have 55mg/kg of niacin in their feed. For Jumbo Pekin it is more like 70mg/kg of feed. Most chicken feeds are closer to 35mg/kg. I don't think that supplement is sufficient, nor would I increase it to meet the niacin since it has sodium and other things.

Miss Lydia gave great advice and I agree with her input. If you're using standard chick starter... consider switching to Purina Flock Raiser.. Niacin is not required to be listed on the guaranteed analysis tags, so you might have to call a company to find out that out. Purina confirmed their flock raiser 20% protein product does have 55mg/kg niacin. I believe the Dumor 24% protein starter also has the correct amount of niacin. It has a picture of a turkey poult and duckling on the front and is different than their lower protein starter.

These things can take time... keep hanging in there!

 

[quackiemama]

Poor baby! I agree with @Miss Lydia go get the liquid b complex. It is a lifesaver especially for these pekins.

 

[Graceeelizabeth5]

I've just been feeding them an egg layer crumble! Sometimes the same as the chickens. We have 8 ducks and never had an issue until now I really hope I didnt cause this! Out of the 3 "ducklings" we have, she was the only one we didnt hatch ourselves.

 

[Graceeelizabeth5]

I will go get liquid b complex right away though! Thank you!

 

[Graceeelizabeth5]

Oh and yes the spray was for wounds.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Keep us updated.