Wet Feather... How can I fix it?

[Bleenie]

I think a few of my Scovies are having an issue with their 'oil production'.. they seem to always be wet looking and i'm sure it bugs them. 2 hens have been like this since i got them but Sidney has been looking downright soggy lately

Can i fix it somehow?
do i need to give them something extra in their diet?

ETA: most the others are just fine, totally dry & healthy looking.

 

[rainplace]

I'd have to search through all my posts to find what I posted about it before, but I believe you should check their oil gland and make sure it's not looking off. You can take a warm wet cloth and gently massage it in case it's plugged. Let me see if I can find the thread...

 

[rainplace]

Here ya go, cut and pasted from a post I made last year.

I'm cutting and pasting this from a post I made a few weeks ago:

I found this in a thread about wet feathers at http://groups.google.com/group/sci.agriculture.poultry posted by Iridesa

> Common cause for wet feathers is a clogged or infected oil gland, heavy
> mite infestation, or foreign substance in swimming water. Oil gland is
> located at the top base of the tail. Little feathers there should look
> very oily. If gland is clogged, massage gently several times daily with
> warm compress. Oral antibiotic may be Rx'd by vet for infection if
> present.

> To prevent above cause(s) provide clean fresh water for swimming to
> prevent mites and foreign substance from getting on feathers.

> Other cause(s):
> Duck has been washed with or been in water with soap, this removes the
> protective coating and disturbs barbs of feathers; not allowing them to
> hold air.

> Duck has not been allowed swimming water, thus is not preening to keep
> feathers supple.
> Barbs get broken or are pulled apart.

> Corretion- Time, for both causes above the duck will preen and get
> feathers into shape

> Ducks feathers are worn from an abundance of treading by drakes.

> Massive mite infestation.

> Correction- Time, for both causes above feathers are damaged beyond
> preening repair. Duck must molt to regain good feather structure. See
> Vet for mite infesttion if mites are present. Look for tiny spots on
> feather shafts and or skin. Check duck house for tiny red mites at
> nite...nests are best place to look for mites if you have em.

> Note- waterfowl feather structure: Each feather is connected together
> sorta like a zipper. The zipper or barbs can be zipped back together if
> not damaged. This is what waterfowl do when they preen. The barbs must
> be keep soft and supple, this is what the oil from the oil gland does.
> (like putting hand cream on so ones hands so they don't get chapped) If
> the oil gland isn't working or duck is not afforded swimming water (bird
> won't preen much), feathers become dry, brittle and break. Once damage
> occurs to the barbs the duck will no longer be "water proof" no matter
> how well the duck has oiled and or preened. Air held in by the feathers
> is what keeps the duck "dry" not the oil. The oil gand works on supply
> and demand. If no water to swim in...no need to preen, no oil is made or
> gland gets clogged from under use.

> Hope this helps

 

[Pet Duck Boy]

My duck had the same problem a few months ago. She would get soaking wet and start to shiver. It eventually stoped, now she puts her oil on "correctly". Hopefully someone else can chime in.

 

[lovesduckies]

i'm not sure, but i just wanted to say your mussies are beautiful!!

 

[Bleenie]

Thank you lovesduckies!

They look a million times better when they're dry!

 

[jqs birds]

Isn't that kind of a common problem with Muscovies?

 

[Bleenie]

I've never had a duck with wet feather before so (at least in mine) is hasn't been a problem.

 

[jqs birds]

I don't know for sure. Just thought I read it, and I'd never heard it before either.
I haven't had Muscovies since I was a kid. I am looking forward to getting some from you later this spring though.

 

[lovesduckies]

Quote:
your welcome. they are just gorgeous!!!!! i love the tail on tour first little cutie pa tutie!!

i hope you fix the problem!