Duck with a crooked leg

[horsejody]

Chester is a rescue that was dumped at the vet's office. Now he's mine. I think he had some nutritional problems as a smaller duckling. His original owner only fed him catfood. He is supposedly 8-9 weeks old. I have had him for almost 2 weeks. He is now eating the appropriate food and just had a growth spurt. He seems to have a crooked leg. Should I worry about this? Is there something I can do? The crooked leg wasn't evident until he had his growth spurt over the last few days. I am worried that it's because he is getting heavier and his legs migh not be strong enough. Is a crooked leg common on a duck? Will he be ok? I believe he is a Pekin. We bought him a kiddie pool over the weekend that he seems to enjoy.

 

[Wifezilla]

Hey may have been niacin deficient when he was living on cat food from the previous owner. Can you get him some brewer's yeast to sprinkle on his food?

 

[horsejody]

Quote:
Yes, my husband brews his own beer. I'll see what he has. His comes in small packets and containers. Should I make a starter out of it and grow more yeast?

ETA: I also just called and left a message for the vet. I'm going to ask him if he has any brewer's yeast supplements for animals he can "donate" to Chester's cause. After all, he's the one that called and said "Please take this duck that somebody dumped on me!!!!"

 

[horsejody]

If I get him the brewers yeast, is there hope his leg will straighten?

 

[Wifezilla]

It might, but I don't think the problem came from his growth spurt. I think it was early poor nutrition. I wouldn't worry about it too much as long as he is able to move around OK.

 

[horsejody]

OK, I have called around looking for the brewer's yeast. It seems all of the close health food stores are out of business so I will order online. The vet doesn't carry it either. I went to the drugstore at lunch and bought a bottle of niacin tablets. They are 250 mg tablets. I did a search on the forum and read that somebody said that one 250 mg tablet dissolved per gallon of water would work. Does that sound OK? Will it hurt the chickens in with him if that is in the drinking water? There is a hen that has adopted him and 3 young marans in the same pen with him. He cries terribly if separated from his new family.

 

[Wifezilla]

I take a niacin tablet and crush it then sprinkle that on the food. Seems to work fine.

Can't say about the chickens. I don't know much about them

 

[taraann81]

I have noticed this with some of my muscovies before. I don't know what causes it (I know not much help). Mine anyway should not be caused by a nutritional deficentcy My ducks from day one, get free range time during the day (weather permitting) and a specifically for ducks duck starter and then they switch to grower and maintenance. I know I didn't answer your question at all. I am curious to see what others say on this thread. I have also wondered about the crooked leg!

 

[horsejody]

Quote:
This little guy was owned by an elderly man. He picked up 4 ducklings at Tractor Supply because he thought they would be good house pets. They got too big and stinky, so he put them outside. Three came up missing. He was convinced people were stealing them so he brought the lone survivor to the vet to rehome. The old guy only fed the ducklings cat food. He told the vet that the this one was the runt and the others were further along in their feather and size development. I think that he may have had a leg problem when I got him, but it became more evident as he gained weight and the leg had to carry more. I just hope it doesn't adversely effect him forever.

My daughter and daughter in law have both decided that once Chester is bigger and his legs are strong that he will go into training for next January's duck races in Avoca, Nebraska. I have no idea how they plan on training him. I think it might consist of teaching him to chase them around the yard for treats.

 

[taraann81]

I have read your previous posts. I just was relaying that I too have noticed the problem on occasion.