Is it normal? Ducklings seem lazy

[Dr.Dale]

I have a flock of 4-week old silver appleyards, but this is my first time raising ducks. Previously I have only raised chickens, so my expectations may be misinformed.

Compared to my chickens the ducks seem lazy. They lay down all the time, and will even plop down in front of the feeder and waterer. They grew super fast compared to the chickens too. Is that normal?

They all can walk, and they don’t seem distressed. They seem to be reasonably coordinated considering that they are basically wearing scuba flippers. Their legs appear straight, but they just seem to stay off of them whenever they can.

 

[CayugaJana]

I’ve noticed my larger breed ducks do this more so than my medium sized ones. On my Pekins I noticed them laying down anytime they weren’t actively walking somewhere. It was because their muscles were weak. Their behavior was otherwise the same. It was because of a niacin deficiency. I know you probably read more than you care to about niacin on here, but it’s the truth.

I bought liquid b vitamin complex and gave them 100mgs/bird per day. The b complex has a similar function in ducks as it does humans. It supports neural development, muscle growth, and proper bone growth. And they were walking around more normal within a week. I didn’t see their muscles quivering from weakness anymore either. I don’t own Silver Appleyard ducks but I’d venture to guess they are larger like Pekins and thus require more niacin.

 

[CayugaJana]

I don’t know how long it takes chickens, but ducks are normally full grown right around 6-7 weeks old.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

The only time my ducks are energized are when they first come out of their duck house in the morning or when I have meal worms for them.
Other than that, they are complete opposites of my chickens.
Often I will observe the chickens up and foraging while the ducks are taking it easy in the shade.

 

[336White Phoenix]

Yes very normal a duck will almost double it's size ever 2 days for the first 8 and large breeds of ducks will tend to site down more then calls or smaller breeds due to there greater growth but u should only be worried if the duck dosent stand up and walk or if it gets a limp then u should take the little guy to the vet
Hopefully that helps u out a bite

 

[Dr.Dale]

I don’t own Silver Appleyard ducks but I’d venture to guess they are larger like Pekins and thus require more niacin

Yes, they are a pretty large breed. Not as big as Pekins, but close (according to the livestock conservancy). The feed has niacin in it, but maybe only enough for smaller breeds.

 

[Dr.Dale]

u should only be worried if the duck dosent stand up and walk or if it gets a limp

Thanks, when they do decide to get up they walk without any noticeable problems or asymmetry. So definitely no limp.

 

[CayugaJana]

If they aren’t limping, legs turning inward, or legs shaking they should be fine. In my experience anyways, the Pekins need extra supplements.

 

[336White Phoenix]

Just courious why put ur birds on supplement s

 

[CayugaJana]

Just courious why put ur birds on supplement s

I give my Pekins extra niacin because they are prone to have leg problems. Also, they are one of the largest breeds of ducks. I don’t think Pekins absorb or get enough niacin in their normal feed. (I have Pekins that are on the small side, and don’t have issues. I’m talking about my huge babies.) This causes muscle weakness, their legs start bowing, their feet turn in, and their “hips” protrude out. They can eventually become lame if not corrected. And this normally happens during the first 10 weeks of development. Once they are full grown, it’s not as big of an issue. I don’t notice this being a problem with my cayugas as they are smaller in size.