Are ducks close enough to chickens for this question?

Chief Duck

Hatching
Sep 21, 2015
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I have never owned fowl before and located this site. I hope this question is okay and you guys could help. I'm guessing, although different, chicken and duck behaviors might be similar since they both have feathered wings.

Recently, we purchased 3 mature sibling ducks that had been raised from hatchlings. They were handheld and were family pets until local laws changed and they were booted from their home. They are so fat and happy, might I add. This is good. Their original Mom comes to check on them every 2 weeks or so. They now live on s very large neighborhood pond that I reside on. They have friended the only other duck on the pond. I say that lightly, they travel together and they "tolerate" Fred.

They come and summon me every morning to eat, to which I comply and in return, they allow me to pet or hold them as needed. Their food is still the same. No changes there. It's just cracked corn type material.

Yesterday, I noticed that all 3 have the same thing going on with their wings. They have pulled all of their feathers off bi-laterally at the tips of their wings. I would say 2-3" up. No blood. They are just bare. Should I be alarmed &/or seek medical attention? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much.
 
It sounds like they are molting. Many wild waterfowl molt all their wing feathers at once and are grounded until the feathers grow back. I think the molt is the same for domestic ducks.
 
I would think so. You may want to post your questions on the "Duck thread.," The folks there certainly know a lot more about ducks than I do.
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