Urgent help needed for rescue duckling

[blurryface]

I rescued a duckling from my work tonight that has a serious problem. He is eating, drinking and pooping normally, but he doesn't seem to have a sense of balance. He walks and runs in circles, falls over a lot, and sometimes flips on his back. He always rights himself and seems unphased, he's actually quite a happy, outgoing duckling given his issues. When he eats and drinks he does flip his head all the way back to swallow. Is it possibly a vitamin deficiency? Or something neurological? I've started him on a niacin supplement but I want to make sure I'm giving him the right dosage. If anyone has any advice or has dealt with something like this your help would be immeasurable. I will do everything I can to fight for this little guy.

 

[blurryface]

Update: He is already doing much better since I started him on a niacin supplement,he is walking straighter, however he is still exhibiting very severe problems. When he eats and drinks he flips his head all the way back to the point where it rests on his back. And sometimes he loses all balance and flips over completely. Does anyone know what is causing this and how it can be corrected? I don't have an avian vet in the area and a regular vet will not see him. :/

 

[blurryface]

 

[Miss Lydia]

That is star gazing here is a link that may help. Bless it's heart and yours for taking the lil one in.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/974928/stargazing-rouen

 

[Jessica89]

Is it only when he is eating and drinking you get the problem? Carry on with the niacin and hopefully he will carry on improving. I hope someone with more knowledge can help you. Is his neck constantly slightly back as it could be Wry neck.

 

[blurryface]

Thank you guys so much for the help!! I just knew I had to give him a fighting chance, even if I lose him I wanted him to know how it felt to pass away in a loving home. I'm an obsessive duck lover lol!! Everyone calls me the duck whisperer and I'm sure many people think I'm crazy for talking about them so much! His neck isn't constantly back but he does look up from the side a lot and seems to have some trouble controlling it. It's just at its worst when he's eating and drinking. Is it possible for him to get better completely? Or will he always have problems? I already have two adult Indian runners who are special needs so having a third special needs duck isn't a big deal. I'm already so in love with little Dwight, I can't imagine him not becoming a member of the flock one day.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thank you guys so much for the help!! I just knew I had to give him a fighting chance, even if I lose him I wanted him to know how it felt to pass away in a loving home. I'm an obsessive duck lover lol!! Everyone calls me the duck whisperer and I'm sure many people think I'm crazy for talking about them so much! His neck isn't constantly back but he does look up from the side a lot and seems to have some trouble controlling it. It's just at its worst when he's eating and drinking. Is it possible for him to get better completely? Or will he always have problems? I already have two adult Indian runners who are special needs so having a third special needs duck isn't a big deal. I'm already so in love with little Dwight, I can't imagine him not becoming a member of the flock one day.

It's important to get him/her on vits asap and he will have a good chance of getting over this. Sounds like he has found a very loving home.

Welcome to BYC.