Do Ducks Moult the Same as Chickens?

[Chickie Mamma]

Hello, I was just wondering if ducks moult the same way as chickens? I have noticed that my crested duck has been losing alot of feathers. At first I thought something may have grabbed a hold of her, but I notice that they seem to come out while she is cleaning herself. Diet issue? They have been eating the same all last summer and this winter. Just wondering?

 

[ChickenToes]

Yes, ducks molt. Mine are molting right now, my Khaki girls look kinda rough.

 

[Dances with Ducks]

Yes they do! My Harlequin stopped laying and went into a molt at the end of January. I've read about them doing that, but would like to know more myself. Like is there a typical month that happens, and how long before they start laying again?

 

[xfilesnumber1fan]

Mine have stopped laying and breeding...My boy mallards have no green heads right now and no flight feathers either! My yard looking like a feather duster..6 birds makes alot of feathers!!! Guess I should rake the yard...

 

[Chickie Mamma]

Thanks for the replys.. This is the first time I have seen this. The duck was born last May and has not molted yet so I guess I was not expecting it. She looks fine (minus some feathers), eating fine, and acting fine so I guess thats what it is. Its not that warm here either, still 30's at night and 40 - 50 during the day. I am going to need to rake the feathers up soon too..

 

[xfilesnumber1fan]

Mine are last year babies too..So this is my first time with the major feather loss,Its is still pretty cold here too at nighte but they started molting weeks ago!