[Rubellite]

Hi all
I have a two day old runner duckling who seems to have a neck problem.
S/he seems happy and bright enough, is eating, drinking and cheeping but doesn't hold it's head properly.
(I'll call it him from now on).
His head is held back and he looks upwards when laying and standing. When he moves around he does back flips, it is very upsetting to watch  
I've searched neck problems but can only come up with crazy chick disease, a Vit E deficiency. Does any one know if this is relevant to ducklings? Or has anyone experienced this problem?
I have made a neck collar from a piece of sponge to try to hold the neck in the correct position but mainly to stop the back flips and to give the poor thing some rest.
This has calmed the situation for the moment but I don't want to see him suffer. Any ideas?  

[too many girls]

sorry i can't help with a duckling problem, but i have had a chick with something similar, it may possibly be the same thing, she has now fully recovered.

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=42465.msg500414#msg500414

[Rubellite]

Thanks, have had a read through all that 
Dibbsy (long story) seems as bright as a button and is eating and drinking normally.
Before I put the collar on he seemed to struggle with that for as soon as he took a mouthful he would throw up his head to swallow and fall backwards 

[Rubellite]

I hardly dare say this but Dibbsy duckling seems to be improving.
He is still wearing his collar which is supporting his neck and as his legs are growing stronger his balance is improving and he isn't throwing himself backwards as much.
I have been feeding him with natural yoghurt and marmite as well as his crumb and he has a Vit B tablet in his water.
Aside from his neck problem he is a happy chappie especially as now he has a little mate to cuddle up to from the other hatching. I know we're not out of the woods yet, but at least there seems to be some hope

[Kate and her Ducks]

Really glad to hear he's getting better. Never heard of this before but sounds like you are doing all you can.

[Rubellite]

Really glad to hear he's getting better. Never heard of this before but sounds like you are doing all you can.

Thanks

[Kate and her Ducks]

How's the little mite doing?

[Foxy]

keep a real close eye on him, make sure that he is growing at the same rate as the others in his brood, and his legs are both developing.

[Rubellite]

keep a real close eye on him, make sure that he is growing at the same rate as the others in his brood, and his legs are both developing.

What are you thinking Foxy?
He was the only one from that brood (6 eggs)
His chum is two days behind him and was the only one again from 6 eggs 
Won't hatch anymore this late if I do it next year.
I was a bit dubious of putting no 2 in with Dibbsy but I'm pretty certain it's not a contagious thing. No 2 is still smaller than Dibbsy so I think he is growing ok, legs look ok and are getting stronger as he is standing better and less wobbly than he was.
At times he carries on like a normal duckling. Maybe when he gets tired is when he falls over. He can eat and drink for himself and poos ok. I really hope I can get him through this as poor no 2 will be heartbroken if we lose him (And me).

[dizzylizzie]

ahhh fingers crossed for you x

[Foxy]

Have you got them together now Rube?

[Rubellite]

Have you got them together now Rube?

I have Foxy, and keeping a very close eye on no 2 in case of any symptoms. I don't feel it's contagious because the symptoms appeared as soon as Dibbsy started to move around properly. Regarding size and growth, it does appear that no 2 is now overtaking Dibbsy in the growth stakes - not a good sign - but the little fella is definitely improving albeit slowly............well, not deteriorating (sp?) certainly. Have taken his collar off now.
I haven't put him in the wire brooder as I am worried about him damaging himself, he is in a plastic box. If I can view him without him seeing me he does ok, mostly, but if I look down at him, he then looks up and tends to fall over 

[Rubellite]

I am happy to report that Dibbsy, now re-named Pinocchio, seems to have made a complete recovery. He is growing at a good rate, although he is still smaller than No 2, (now named Guiseppe). I have moved them out to the shed and been getting them out on the grass when the weather is good. They tear around and splash happily in the dogs' bowl like normal ducklings. I am so glad that I persevered with him and didn't give up. 
Trying to upload a short video to Photobucket...............

[Vember]

That's great news Rube, Well done 

Laurel is still smaller than his siblings after his funny turn when 2 weeks old, but apart from the slight variation in height you'd find it hard to tell he was ever ill


Sarah

[Rubellite]

Aha, success, I think, here goes..............
This was taken a over a week ago, Pinocchio is the grey duckling.
http://s673.photobucket.com/albums/vv91/Candlesnuff/?action=view&current=MVI_8272.flv