Oliver the Great

Our great success story. From Niacin deficiency to the picture of health.

The boys and I bought 6 ducklings recently from Tractor Supply…2 Pekin, 2 Khaki Campbell and 2 we’re not really sure about but they were cute so we got them anyway.

Domestic ducks grow very quickly. I kid you not…I think they doubled in size every night while we slept. That being the case, their little legs don’t always keep up. I was feeding them a recommended, non-medicated starter feed that supposedly had everything they need to grow big, strong and presumably healthy.

Right about 3 weeks old, Oliver suddenly showed signs of his legs bowing outward. His hip joints protruded terribly. The poor little guy could barely stand. And when he did, he’d stumble and fall.

I didn’t sleep a wink! I even got up and 2am to check on him.

I scoured the web looking for a magic cure.

Everything I read pointed to a niacin deficiency. I also read that you could give ducklings the infant vitamins Poly Vi Sol found in the local pharmacy or big box store. My husband drove me there straight away. He knew I was terribly worried.

I started the vitamin routine by isolating Oliver in a small brooder and putting just a few drops in his water dish. I did this 2-3 times a day. I also read that brewers yeast is fantastic for just this very problem, so I ordered some online.

Oliver showed a little improvement after a day of the vitamins, but was still overly clumsy. The other 5 rowdy ones would knock him over in their haste to the food dish. I felt so sorry for Oliver. He’d look up at me with those little dark eyes and I’d just have to pick him up and hold him.

I also gave them “swim therapy”…15 minutes 2x/day…in a bathtub filled 1/2 way with warm water. Oliver seemed to relish swim time and the weight it literally took off his legs.

The brewers yeast arrived. But in my haste to order it, I didn’t realize it was in tablet form. My husband looked at me and said, “Just how to you plan to get them to eat that?”

I smiled. “Like this.” And off to the blender I went! I made a nice powder that could be easily sprinkled on their food. 1 Tablespoon every morning sprinkled on top of the community food dish. I continued the liquid vitamins as well for another 2 weeks.

At 5 weeks old, I moved them outside to their new coop area. Oliver was standing and walking better, but would still cross his feet and even step on his own foot when trying to walk. The little fella would tumble out of the coop door because the ramp was too difficult to navigate. I continued the brewers yeast routine but stopped the liquid vitamins.

After only 3-4 days outside, I saw a tremendous improvement in his agility. He could make his way in and out of the coop via the ramp. He still walked with his feet crossed, but seem to be adapting.

Oliver and family were 8 weeks old this past Saturday and I am excited to report that his legs no longer bow out. His hips no longer protrude. He walks without crossing his feet. AND…he can even jump out of their kiddie pool!

All of the ducklings are special to us.

But Oliver, he’s the tops.

#poultry #ducks