Pekin walking on knees...should I be worried?

[JNGAL]

We just bought a Pekin (2 weeks old ) and I have noticed that it walks with its feet turned in. It sometimes walks hunched on its "knees" but other times it stands upright and walks normally. I have inspected its feet and legs for any injuries and none seem present. Is this just how this breed chooses to carry itself or should I be concerned about deformity?

It is eating and drinking normally and is active just like the others we have (2 Magpies and a Golden 300).

Thanks for your help!

 

[mnferalkitty]

Sounds like it might be a niacin deficiency. http://metzerfarms.blogspot.com/2011/03/are-my-ducklings-leg-problems-due-to.html

 

[JNGAL]

Thanks, I'll check out that link. We just bought it a day ago, so this is disturbing if it is deficient.

 

[JNGAL]

That article was perfect, it confirmed what you said. I will be adding brewer's yeast to its diet and hope for a quick recovery. Thanks again, mnferalkitty!

 

[mnferalkitty]

It's pretty common in ducklings but is cureable so don't get discouraged

what are you feeding the ducklings? I try and feed mine chicken food that has niacin in it so they don't get deficient.

 

[JNGAL]

We're feeding them the broiler feed that the farm store owner recommended. But we have been having fun throwing them watermelon pieces, grapes, spinach leaves (they went berserk), apples and bananas. The Pekin (bought 2 days ago) hasn't been outside yet due to cold weather but the others got to go foraging two days ago, so they enjoyed ants, spiders and other bugs.

 

[JNGAL]

I should also say that we are complete newbies, this is our first flock. And we are having a blast!

 

[Greenacres1]

You might want to check on the spinach. I remember reading somewhere that it was toxic to ducks. I could be wrong since I am pretty new too

 

[JNGAL]

Oh NO! Would they eat something that is toxic to them? I thought they were okay with greens...going to check that out. Thanks!

 

[JNGAL]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/242460/the-ultimate-list-of-duck-treats-and-supplements <--- Here is a great list of treats and toxins for ducks, Greenacres 1! You are right feeding them large amounts of spinach decreases their calcium intake and can cause egg-binding when they are older. THANK YOU for telling me that!!!

Greenacres1, how long have you been duck raising. This is day four for us...lol....so we are complete novices.