[Daleswoman]

I have a Khaki Campbell duck -approx 4-5 years old - who has suddenly 'gone off her legs' - she spends her time sitting on the ground and although she tries to scramble away if I go to pick her up she is unable to bear her weight.

She has no wounds or apparent injuries, no heat in either leg, no indication of being eggbound or having any kind of infection. Both legs seem to be equally affected.

I have isolated her within the main duckhouse (I've got 11 ducks altogether) to keep her safe, and she is eating and drinking - just unable to walk.

Has anyone any experience of this, or any ideas about what might be causing it and/or how I can treat her? At the moment I am hoping a few days rest will help to heal whatever is wrong.

[lord flynn]

What is she eating? Ducks are affected by vit/min deficiency which can show as lameness although going off their legs is often a niacin deficiency when they are growing. Calcium/phosphate imbalances can also affect their legs. Is she on a decent waterfowl pellet?

[twizzel]

I find when older ducks go off their legs it’s kindest to put them down.

[chrismahon]

I recall reading somewhere that ducks can go off their legs when they have a worm burden, but I have no personal experience of that.

[Womble]

Chris, I'm pretty sure that was the cause of a couple of our geese going off their legs. I can't evidence it directly, but they went from very ill to fine again following a dose of wormer.

[Daleswoman]

Thanks for the replies. I had wondered about it being a worm burden, although she was wormed with the rest about 4 months ago. They are on layers pellets - I can't get waterfowl pellets nearby and they have all thrived on these for the past 7 years. They free-range normally (though not any longer obv) so supplement their food by foraging, and also have vitamin drops in their water  occasionally.

She laid an egg this morning, bless her!

I will worm her, give her extra vitamins, and see how she goes.