Do my ducks have wet feather?

[chickens really]

Allow them to actually dry....I think they are hiding in the kiddie pool...I Still think its not an issue in health. Are you wanting illness?....I don't see any!...Your Drakes are okay.

 

[Ravynscroft]

Also when they start to splash water on their backs it runs off slightly by the base of their neck but all other feathers just absorb the water

Duck feathers should *never* absorb water, that is definitely an issue... what area are you in? What are the temps there? Even if it is just cool, they can become hypothermic and chill very quickly if their feathers are not waterproof... if this is a possibility, do not allow unsupervised access to bathing water until feather condition is corrected... if they get too waterlogged, even an adult can drown in a small pool...

 

[WVduckchick]

I'm concerned about all of their feathers. When they bathe they come out soaked..the feathers on their backs, wings, neck and bellies.
I don't know what conditions they were kept in but they did apparently have a small pond. However when I first picked them up they did feel gritty, so I'm not convinced.
My gut feel is that something isn't right as my older duck was never like that and we got him at the same age

Trust your gut, if you feel something is wrong. Ducks can get waterlogged and drown.

 

[Mandarin]

Thanks guys.

I live in UK and it's about 10 degrees C here. Their pond and coop is fully sheltered from the wind and they have free access to inside all day.

If the ducks we're in poor conditions at their previous home and now they have access to clean water to bathe, how long would it take to waterproof themselves, or am I waiting for something that will never happen?

Really appreciate everyone's advice.

 

[Ravynscroft]

If the feathers aren't too damaged and they are using their oil glands, it shouldn't take too long... but if they don't preen and oil properly or the feathers are damaged beyond repair, you'll have to wait until their next molt for good feathers to come in...

 

[Mandarin]

I'm tempted to leave them a few more days to see if there is any improvement. I'm reluctant to wash them as it would mean keeping them cooped for a few days, and I'd probably have to put my older duck with them too. But, if that's what needs to happen then I'll do it - don't want cold wet ducks all winter!

 

[Ravynscroft]

Sounds like a good plan! Monitor and reassess as needed...

 

[007Sean]

X2 what Ravynscroft said, also I would not give them a bath with Dawn soap. Dawn soap cuts grease and oils, so this would just exacerbate the wet feather condition.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Glad to see 007SEAN say about using the dawn soap not a good idea When a few of my older Muscovy's got wet feather molting always took care of it. Try adding some extra protein to their diet good quality cat kibble is one way. Are you feeding a good diet? then add the cat kibble over top as extra protein to help their feathers.

You have one very informed educator giving you great advise please follow her lead.
@Ravynscroft has helped many members here On BYC.

 

[casportpony]

Trust your gut, if you feel something is wrong. Ducks can get waterlogged and drown.

x2

X2 what Ravynscroft said, also I would not give them a bath with Dawn soap. Dawn soap cuts grease and oils, so this would just exacerbate the wet feather condition.

I was just going to mention that.