a few duck questions

[blkpoodles]

i have this male mallard mix, he's 4 months old, he got beaten up by other bigger ducks that's why i have him, he seems itchy, idk if its cause of the scabs on him, or what. also how do you teach him not to nip, he's done this since he was little.
here's a pic of him

 

[Jay262]

You can try using a saddle on him it would keep him from picking himself for the most part he will be covered up. You can find them on ebay or prob members here selling them. Dont bathe him in soap i just see the bottles in pics soap removes the natural oils in there feathers that keep them from getting there feathers wet.

 

[blkpoodles]

no that's my shampoo and conditioner, i just have those there to hold that plastic thing for him to be able to get out of the water if he wanted to stand up. i didnt put anything on him

 

[Jay262]

Just saying just in case thats all you dont wanna do that. Look for a saddle for him it will keep him from picking so much since he wont be able to get to the sore spots. They dont look to serious from the pics but you best watch for any signs of infection aswell.

 

[blkpoodles]

the worst ones are under his wings, not too serious, just a few scabs

 

[Miss Lydia]

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Drakes nip, alot of us are working on this problem with our young drakes. Try not to let him if at all possible, I know you have to handle him so it's not going to be easy. I have also gently pushed mine down onto his tummy and made him stay that way till he stops fighting to get up. No hand feeding either. if you do any reading on here of past posts you'll see your not the only one having drake problems. Hope he starts getting his feathers back soon. You could get something like Blue kote and spray his wounds or Vetericyn spray and see if eith one help. How big are the other ducks?

 

[blkpoodles]

they were adult blue swedish, and adult mallards, and something else around that size, i got him from my sister in law and she believes he's a call mix cause he's smaller then them. i know calls are smaller then him but i know he's a mix. i dont hand feed him, and when i hold him i also hold his neck so he cant nip. i was told he could be doing his pecking order thing. when i open his coop door he hisses, i just ignore that. but he never lounged or anything. and when he does nip he doesnt let go, you have to make him let go

 

[StevenW.]

First thing that came to my mind is mites.
I've never had this happen before since all my ducks have access to bathing water all the time. Over-Preening is what I was told its called. You need to check him for mites!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Quote:
My drake who is 6 months old today, does that when he gets ahold he doesn't let go, and yep it hurts. sounds like you have it under control. Are you keeping him if so I would think about getting him a friend they really like to have one or two of their own kind around.

 

[blkpoodles]

i looked but didnt see any, is he able to be dusted?
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