Cayuga ducklings losing down but not getting feathers. Help!

[hikerchick]

My Cayugas ducklings are both losing their down but not getting feathers in place of it. They have white bald patches. Are they being picked on, or is this normal? I got a Khaki Campbell at the same time, same age, and she is twice the size of the Cayugas and never had bald spots. I have also raised Pekins and Mallards and they never went through a bald patch stage. They are about 6 weeks old.

 

[hikerchick]

Poor little naked ducklings....

 

[shelleyd2008]

I would think they are getting picked on. What are they housed with? My cayuga babies always seemed to have bald patches when they were wet, their down just wasn't thick enough I guess. They could also be too warm.

 

[rlhbond]

Sounds like they are being picked on. Try seperating them and see if this helps.

 

[redhen]

I agree, it sounds like they are getting picked on...

 

[hikerchick]

thanks guys.They are in with a bunch of older ducks and chickens. None of my other ducklings ever had a problem in there but these guys seem to be a target.

 

[Tam'ra of Rainbow Vortex]

I had a wyandotte pullet do the same thing. She is now almost 5 months old and STILL has naked spots and no tail to speak of. My other 3 (same breed, age, and gender) are fully feathered, and have been for over a month. No one picked on her, she is just a freak.

 

[rlhbond]

Maybe you can collect some loose feathers and make a "piece" to cover up his bald spot so he doesn't get self-conscious.

 

[Dances with Ducks]

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[streemers]

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hee hee a duck wig!