Chick picking at other chick

[Gmilojev]

Hi there. I have two Baby ducks at about two months old. A male and a female the female likes to pick at the male. I’ve enclosed a picture of what the female did just last night. It doesn’t seem aggressive the male doesn’t seem to mind but I feel like this is too much damage. I have separated them for a few days and then bring them back together and everything’s fine for a day or so and then she starts picking again. Not sure how to stop her from doing this

 

[HollowOfWisps]

At two months old feather picking to that degree is usually caused by either a nutrient deficiency or environmental stressor. What are you feeding them? How big is their area? Do they have access to swim? Water deep enough to dunk their heads? Heat no heat? A picture of their setup would help.

 

[Jeanw]

Sorry about that, maybe review their diet and housing? honestly I don’t know about ducks but maybe it’s a factor

 

[Gmilojev]

Hi there. I have two Baby ducks at about two months old. A male and a female the female likes to pick at the male. I’ve enclosed a picture of what the female did just last night. It doesn’t seem aggressive the male doesn’t seem to mind but I feel like this is too much damage. I have separated them for a few days and then bring them back together and everything’s fine for a day or so and then she starts picking again. Not sure how to stop her from doing this

At two months old feather picking to that degree is usually caused by either a nutrient deficiency or environmental stressor. What are you feeding them? How big is their area? Do they have access to swim? Water deep enough to dunk their heads? Heat no heat? A picture of their setup would help.

We’re going to the feed store tomorrow to inquire about their food. The problem I’m having is the other adult female and drake are not taking a liking to the babies so we keep them in an enclosed area but during the day We keep the adults out of the coop to let the little ones with mom roam free to give them more Spence. The picking seems to happen at night. They don’t have access to swim because the pool freezes over as soon as i try to put water in it with the temps only about 5 degrees. Yes they have two heat lamps on them which they enjoy but that means light is on constantly. Is that okay? Tomorrow we’re going to make their enclosed area bigger and I hope that the adult female and drake can accept them soon

 

[Crazy Maizie]

Picking is normal to some degree. But, you might have to separate them so this one can heal. Just put something between them so that they can still see each other.
What are you currently feeding?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Are they fully feathered? usually by 2 months or 8weeks they are. If they are turn off the heat lamps. It may be just plain being bored
Try the first without heat during the day so you can watch to make sure they aren't acting cold. Do you have heated buckets so their water doesn't freeze. Very important that they can clean their eyes and nares often.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

We’re going to the feed store tomorrow to inquire about their food. The problem I’m having is the other adult female and drake are not taking a liking to the babies so we keep them in an enclosed area but during the day We keep the adults out of the coop to let the little ones with mom roam free to give them more Spence. The picking seems to happen at night. They don’t have access to swim because the pool freezes over as soon as i try to put water in it with the temps only about 5 degrees. Yes they have two heat lamps on them which they enjoy but that means light is on constantly. Is that okay? Tomorrow we’re going to make their enclosed area bigger and I hope that the adult female and drake can accept them soon

At two months they should not need heat especially two lamps. At their age added heat will only cause feathering problems and excess heat can also cause behavioral issues. Do they have an area where they can completely get out of the heat on their own? When you say that they like it do you mean they are sitting directly under the lamps? If they are sitting directly under the lamp at this age I would be wondering about possibly drafts, improper ventilation causing moisture build-up and if they are receiving enough protein in their feed. I would take them down to one lamp during the evenings for a week and then by week two remove the last lamp. Do you have their feed label or know the brand?

 

[Gmilojev]

Are they fully feathered? usually by 2 months or 8weeks they are. If they are turn off the heat lamps. It may be just plain being bored
Try the first without heat during the day so you can watch to make sure they aren't acting cold. Do you have heated buckets so their water doesn't freeze. Very important that they can clean their eyes and nares often.

Yes they are fully feathered. I was thinking of turning off the lamps during the day. The water is not heated but I often refill with room temp water. I am still keeping them separated from the others because the drake is not a fan so I give them their own water and food often. Thanks for all your suggestions. Because their separated we are going to make their space a bit bigger tomorrow.

 

[Miss Lydia]

See how it goes and monitor how they are doing without heat. They should have a nice thick layer of down now to keep them warm. Let us know how it goes.