need advice quickly

Also sounds like Vit B (of which niacin is one) problem to me as my books also really concentrate on Niacin deficiencies in realation to leg problems although calcium can be a problem. Most grain and feed is high in vit E so it would surprise me although I am not an expert. Apparently ducklings usual source is insects but marmite has some in it. I used Lifeguard tonic in their water which gives the required concentration of niacin plus others which is a little pricy but I've had no problems. Of course it might not have made any difference at all.
You can get it in tablet form from a chemist or health shop and dilute it in water (its also called Vit B3 or niacinamide)

Good luck

Update:

Went to the farm shop and got a soluble vitamin pack, this morning (although it could be wishful thinking) it appears that there is more strength in the legs as the duck is able to balance now whereas before it just kept falling over, still has the hobble on but the shoes came off!

After observing closely and thinking back to what had occured, I think it probably is a defficiancy although of what I dont know. The duck was fine when it was born, waddling around with the others then gradually got worse, one other duck which is not so badly affected is also being given the vits, he just has a problem with one leg, which is the same leg as the other duckling first had a problem with. This is why I think it may be a defficiency as there seems to be a pattern of events.
Fingers crossed they continue to make progress, dont want to think of the alternative now that we have become buddies

Ok everyone, this morning I made that dreaded decision, they were not improving any further and so the time had come. As I write this I have tears welling up :cry:
I think that what I have most learnt is that a quick cull once you realise it is sick is probably better than getting attached and putting off the inevitable.

Thank you so much for all the advice, we are moving to a smallholding in the next couple of weeks so no doubt you will hear a lot more from me!!

Dawn xx

That's a really tough call. Very brave of you but such a shame it didn't improve.  

You'll make alot of people jealous with your smallholding. All the best with it and don;t forget to post photos.  

Rob

Thanks for all your support everyone really appreciated.

The smallholding adventure is one we are really looking forward to. There are 7 stables so the primary income will be from DIY livery but the rest is up to us. We hope to become self sufficient eventually, I am a qualified organic gardener so that bit is no problem, its the larger animals that will all be new to us and things like paddock maintainence, hay making, solar energy etc,etc,etc. Great challanges ahead, and a few laughs thrown in for good measure

Dawn xx