[dawne]

I hatched out 4 alyesbury ducklings just over a week ago. To begin with they seemed fine, but the smallest 2 have delveloped what i think is Spraddled legs. However they were walking normally to begin with and in the smallest it started with one leg and now its both. They fall onto thier backs and cant get up. Otherwise they are healthy and happy, have looked at how to brace the legs but when i put it on the smallest does not sit but drags its legs behind it!!
Is this spraddle or something else, a last resort would be to cull but i know it must be done if all else fails.
please help
thanks
dawn

[agapanthus]

It sounds like spraddle leg. I don't know about the brace but with chicks we put a piece of wool around the legs in a figure of eight shape. With ducklings I suggest a thin type bandage or ribbon. Try to get approximately an inch gap between their legs. You might have to adjust the size gap depending on the size of the duckling. I hope this helps........it helped ours and we left it in place for about 2 weeks. Good luck

[Vember]

Hi Dawne

What have you got on the bottom of the brooder??

Also what type of food have you got them on??

Leg problems can be inherited or can be caused by nutritioal deficencies, if they're on Duck starter crumbs that can be ruled out

Try again as Aggy suggests and make sure they are on a towel or similar so they can grip

Good luck

[dawne]

Thanks for the quick replies! They were on straw but have put a blanket under them yesterday to try to help, also they are on chick crumbs as I have chicks as well, do they need a different ration? I have tied up the legs as shown in various pictures i have looked at but it is very active and just throws itself about in to get to food or water. i can sit a hold it all evening that might help what do you think
dawn

[Vember]

Ideally they need to be on Duck starter as the Chick crumbs can sometimes (depends who's you use) has medication in that the ducks don't need

Also chick crumbs(depends on who's you use) may not contain enough Vitamin B

Brewers yeast powder sprinkle on their food that has been slightly moistened to make it stick  or put it in drinking water.


I think another way of getting Vit B in to them is Marmite, kate's written about it on here somewhere, I'll go have a look brb

[dawne]

they are on organic chick crumbs so should not have anything unecessary in them.

Another chicken problem i have (why does everythin go wrong all at once)!
I have a chicken who has suddenly started going down on her knees! she is only just over a year old any ideas?

[Vember]

Also a small amount of marmite on a bit of bread can boost their vitamin (B or D or whatever vitamin is in marmite!) that they need.

It was Rob that had written that, knew I'd seen it somewhere

The other thing is a Niacin deficiencie which again is due to chick crumbs, according to my book you can buy Niacin tablets/powder at a chemist?? "add 100to 150mg per gallon of drinking water until they are 10 weeks old if using Chick not duck starter crumbs,"

Reading all this from my book so soz its taken a while

"if niacin deiciences are not treated in time ducklings can be permanently stunted and or crippled"


Sorry I know some of the above doesn't sound brill but it appears it can be altered if this is the cause

Might be worth trying to get some duck starter crumbs

[dawne]

many thanks will do what i can
dawn

[poultrygeist]

It seems Marmite contains Niacin as well !

It still tastes 'orrible  :x

Good luck with them. I think you ought to post some photos up just to be on the safe side  :roll:

Rob

[Vember]

According to the book it will quickly repare damage if you can get some Niacin into them

So Marmite sounds like a good move  Err hate the stuff meself  

[poultrygeist]

Likewise. Luckily, the ducks seemed to enjoy it.  

Just for reference MARMITE NUTRITION

Rob

[dawne]

it is as we speak happily tucking in to marmite on bread soaked in its water so fingers crossed, i will let you know what happens.
Dawn

[poultrygeist]

You realise it may become addicted and will head for Burton-on-Trent as soon as it is old enough  :shock:

[Vember]

O that's fantastic news Dawn

I'll keep everything crossed for you



Piccies would be lovely

Oh ye and not sure about the problem with the hen?

[poultrygeist]

May seem a bit obvious but does she do a lot of jumping ?

ie. off perches,etc

Just a thought. Have you checked for foot injuries or bumble foot ?

Rob