Swollen duck legs

[Uglyquel]

Good evening to all reading this, me and my girlfriend are in desperate need of duck knowledge. One of our female ducks has become immobile over the past week! At first we noticed a slight limp in her left leg which progressively became worse and swollen. Upon further inspection I noticed no cuts and full movement in her leg. Furthermore, as of a couple of days ago her right leg has also become swollen. Similarly, I also saw no signs of cuts, scabs, or bumble foot. Tonight I isolated her from our other female duck, in a small cage bedded with cedar on top of a towel. Whilst getting her situated I did notice both legs are warm to the touch, PLEASE HELP!

 

[cheezenkwackers]

What kind of duck is she? How old is she? Do you have a drake?

 

[Uglyquel]

What kind of duck is she? How old is she? Do you have a drake?

She’s is a Pekin, 2.5-3 months, and I do not have a drake just two female Pekins.

 

[CoriM]

That is really young - what are you feeding her, does she have proper amounts of niacin - Pekins usually need more. Did you say she's bedded on cedar shavings? Ducks are not supposed to be exposed to cedar.

 

[Uglyquel]

That is really young - what are you feeding her, does she have proper amounts of niacin - Pekins usually need more. Did you say she's bedded on cedar shavings? Ducks are not supposed to be exposed to cedar.

We are feeding her Purina Flock Raiser and when we bought the ducks from Tractor Supply they recommended Pine shaving (cedar). What should I be using?

 

[CoriM]

Check your shavings and see whether they say pine or cedar - they're from different types of trees. Pine is good, cedar is bad. If you have them on cedar, change that out ASAP - put them on towels or something until you can get pine. What I would do is get some liquid vitamin B complex and get them started on a dosage of 1 ml per day - over treats or food. Pekins are probably not getting enough niacin and maybe that's part of the problem. A deficiency can cause weak legs, but swelling and heat seems like an infection. Maybe you can post pictures so we can get a better idea. Is a vet an option?

 

[CoriM]

Also, if you only have two ducklings, do not keep them apart - they will be super upset. Just keep them together in a small area so the one who is not doing so well can easily get to food and water.

 

[Uglyquel]

Also, if you only have two ducklings, do not keep them apart - they will be super upset. Just keep them together in a small area so the one who is not doing so well can easily get to food and water.

I just checked and it is pine shavings. The vet is an option if necessary, however due to my age and financial status I am trying to avoid it if possible.

 

[CoriM]

That really does look swollen. I'm sorry - I don't really know how to advise you. You might need an x-ray and maybe antibiotics from a vet. Is she walking at all?

 

[Uglyquel]

That really does look swollen. I'm sorry - I don't really know how to advise you. You might need an x-ray and maybe antibiotics from a vet. Is she walking at all?

No, she is completely stationary and immobilized.