Day old mallard shedding down??

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mallardlover

mallardlover

In the Brooder
May 2, 2016
11
0
24
Minnesota
Hello Everyone!! I am so so so happy to be a part of this community!! I have learned so very much from all of you and am happy to say that out of 5 mallard eggs I got 2 happy babies that made it for my very first hatch. I am very proud and could not have done it without all of YOU!
That being said....why on earth would my happy day old mallards be shedding their down everywhere in the brooder? I have not read anything like this yet. Is this bad? They are eating and drinking and sleeping and running around but I can't figure out why they are shedding. It literally left down on my hand and I can see it on the towel flooring. It's just weird... Comments will be much appreciated. Thanks guys!!!
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Welcome to BYC
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Congrats on your hatch! Shedding down is normal for new ducklings, from what I remember when I hatched some. How excessive is yours' shedding?
 
Ok! It seems to have stopped now that they have been under the heat light for awhile. It did seem excessive but they don't have any bald spots or anything. I was just nervous is all. I think it's ok now. How often would you clean your brooder? Daily? Or is that not neccasary? Like I said only two babies.... Thanks for your reply!
 
Awww, they're adorable! I cleaned my ducklings' brooder daily, as they are as messy as they are cute! You should pop in at the ducks section here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/42/ducks

Talk to the other duck moms there and ask what they did for their littles ones, tips and advice they can give you. There is a wealth of information here!
 
Easiest way - just put "Duck thread," in the search box and it should take you there. Your two are adorable. Welcome to Backyard chickens ( and ducks)
 

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