Weak legs?

[jesspotato]

Hi everyone!
we have 2 buff duck hens about 3.5 months old.One of them seems to walk lower to the ground than the other (she kind of almost has the stance of a mallard if that makes sense) and has a harder time getting in/out of their pools. She seems a little unsteady at times. It seems more like weakness than neurological, but I’m not sure. They live with our 4 chickens (share a run but have their own coop). I’m feeding everyone the same food but supplementing with niacin and offering lots of fresh/frozen fruits and veg as well as grubs and whatever bugs they find when they forage around The yard. Any thoughts?

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Do you have a picture of her or even a video? Is she built more bottom heavy? What feed are they on?

 

[jesspotato]

I have them on a chicken grower (we also have chickens) that I add niacin to. Is there a brand you recommend? Here is a picture of her from earlier today (she’s the one in front)

 

[HollowOfWisps]

I honestly think it's just because of her shape. My Rouen who is shaped very similar acts exactly the same because she sits so low to the ground. I think your girl is just lower set. If you look up buffs (even just Google pictures) some lines have a slightly leaner build while others are stockier and low set. For feeds I really like Kalmbach. If you go to their website is specifically says on most of their feeds that the correct level of niacin for ducks has been added.

 

[Jeanw]

Welcome to BYC.

 

[jesspotato]

I honestly think it's just because of her shape. My Rouen who is shaped very similar acts exactly the same because she sits so low to the ground. I think your girl is just lower set. If you look up buffs (even just Google pictures) some lines have a slightly leaner build while others are stockier and low set. For feeds I really like Kalmbach. If you go to their website is specifically says on most of their feeds that the correct level of niacin for ducks has been added.

I hope so! I’m worried I’ve been feeding them too many veg etc and that she has a nutritional deficiency from not eating enough of her crumbles. Thanks for the encouragement!!

 

[jesspotato]

Welcome to BYC.

Thank you!!!

 

[Isaac 0]

If you want to be sure, just post a video of her walking. You'll need to upload the video to a video platform like Youtube or vimeo, and copy/paste the link here.