Drake now a Hen...Help !!

[Ang]

I have always heard female ducks referred to as hens.

 

[onedozenphyllises]

I actually thought that either one was correct for a female - "duck" or "hen". But maybe I'm wrong!

 

[onedozenphyllises]

Speaking of molting - I have a Muscovy female that appears to be going through a molt, but I've never seen it before so I can't confirm. Basically, she looks AWFUL. Her plumage is dingy and dirty looking, and spare in places. The rest of the ducks (all younger than her) look great. Can anyone confirm if that sounds like a molt?

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

When I'm talking about ducks I will say 'hen' so long as the word 'chicken' doesn't come into the conversation.

About the Muscovy, it sounds like the molt.

The only other time my ducks lose their feathers is when they are broody and pluck out their breast and under-fluff feathers to expose their bare skin to the eggs. 'Scovies are so intense.

 

[onedozenphyllises]

Hehe - thanks! She seriously looks like 10 miles of bad road right now. Poor girl.