Bleeding tail feathers

[RJKnott]

So while in the process of building the ducks a pen outside, delayed a couple weeks due to weather, I’ve had the ducks in a relatively large pen inside at night and let them roam the yard during the day

last night my female, Peep, was nibbling at the backside of my male, Nibbler.

it only lasted a second and then they went about their business.
Today I was bringing them outside to play in the pond for the afternoon and I noticed a reddish tinge to some of Nibbler’s tail feathers. I briefly lifted them for a second and the base of his tail feathers looked like they were bleeding. He scooted off and bolted into the pond and they have been there all afternoon.

He doesn’t seem to be in any pain or discomfort and he is eating and playing in the pond like he always does

I couldn’t get a picture before he bolted into the pond.

is this something serious? It looks like he may have lost a couple larger feathers on his tail. How worried should I be?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Evidentially those new feathers coming in are just too much to ignore and get yanked out like new wing feathers. As long as it doesn’t become a habit I’d not worry. What age?

 

[RJKnott]

About 8 weeks old.

 

[Miss Lydia]

So they are finished growing in their feathers? I’d make sure they have lots of outside time boredom seems to cause this too.

 

[RJKnott]

So they are finished growing in their feathers? I’d make sure they have lots of outside time boredom seems to cause this too.

I work from home so usually let them roam around all afternoon as I can watch them from my office window. Usually when I am not outside with them they just wander into their coop and hang out there til I come get them.
I will try taking them out a bit earlier and keeping them occupied

 

[Miss Lydia]

And of course don’t forget the pictures!

 

[RJKnott]

And of course don’t forget the pictures!

Couldn’t get a picture he was too squirmy. Will try when he is sleeping later but I got a better look once he got out of the pond. He very end of his tail tail feathers have been plucked or broken off near the base it looks like

 

[Miss Lydia]

I meant just some pics of your ducks so we can admire them but a pic of his missing tail feathers on his butt would be good too. You have drake and female right?

 

[RJKnott]

I meant just some pics of your ducks so we can admire them but a pic of his missing tail feathers on his butt would be good too. You have drake and female right?

Yup drake is Nibbler and female is Peep
Here are some recent pictures

 

[Miss Lydia]

They sure are pretty! Such a nice place for ducks! Hope you haven’t any snapping turtles.