My buddy has 16 six week old ducklings and some are getting there wing feathers picked so bad some are bleeding. Anyone know if this is normal or what could be causing this?
Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks writes that without enough space in the brooder, feather eating becomes a problem. Aggression would also, I think.
Maybe some multivitamins . . . there are poultry vitamins you can get to put in their water - often just a quarter teaspoon of powder per gallon of water, once or twice a week.
I'd also feed them some extra protein, dried meal worms come to mind although they are pricy. but also there are other proteins out there, boredom can also trigger this, even though they have enough room ducks get bored if they don't have stuff to do like root in the mud and look for bugs. Bugs are a big part of their diet.https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/16110/required-suggested-reading-for-the-byc-forum might help you figure out avatar.
I had this problem before. I increased their protein level as everything else was okay. I also ended up seperating the pickers for a few weeks because even after the protein increase, they were picking. Feather picking can become a habit so your friend should address this ASAP.
