Hello
I'm relatively new to ducks and have just worked out they have a special forum for ducks on this website! I hope someone has some advice / experience to share for me.
I got a couple ducklings from TSC last week - one khaki campbell and one pekin. My KC, Hazel, seemed absolutely fine for a few days, but on Sunday ( I got them on Wednesday ) her right leg seemed to be splayed out to the side and she couldn't use it - like she had no strength in it. I started her on antibiotics thinking it was New Duck Disease but things hadn't gotten any worse or better. Yesterday I did some more research and started learning about niacin deficiency in ducklings. Today her left leg also seemed bad - both sort of splayed out far behind and to the sides of her and she just pushes herself along on the ground as she can't stand. They've been eating natural broiler starter crumbles and I realise this may not have enough niacin in for them. The only thing I had at home that was niacin rich was rice bran, so I've been feeding them a mash of that until I go to town tomorrow when I'll buy niacin supplements for their water.
Can anyone tell me if they think this is indeed a niacin deficiency, and if so, when, and what improvements I should see by giving them the supplements? The pekin isn't showing signs as badly as Hazel, but she is slightly pigeon toed.
Thanks for any help
Emily
I'm relatively new to ducks and have just worked out they have a special forum for ducks on this website! I hope someone has some advice / experience to share for me.
I got a couple ducklings from TSC last week - one khaki campbell and one pekin. My KC, Hazel, seemed absolutely fine for a few days, but on Sunday ( I got them on Wednesday ) her right leg seemed to be splayed out to the side and she couldn't use it - like she had no strength in it. I started her on antibiotics thinking it was New Duck Disease but things hadn't gotten any worse or better. Yesterday I did some more research and started learning about niacin deficiency in ducklings. Today her left leg also seemed bad - both sort of splayed out far behind and to the sides of her and she just pushes herself along on the ground as she can't stand. They've been eating natural broiler starter crumbles and I realise this may not have enough niacin in for them. The only thing I had at home that was niacin rich was rice bran, so I've been feeding them a mash of that until I go to town tomorrow when I'll buy niacin supplements for their water.
Can anyone tell me if they think this is indeed a niacin deficiency, and if so, when, and what improvements I should see by giving them the supplements? The pekin isn't showing signs as badly as Hazel, but she is slightly pigeon toed.
Thanks for any help
Emily