Duck arching neck and walking backwards..??

[Sondraa]

Hey y’all. This is a behavior I’ve noticed a couple times now in my newest duck, Blanca, but it starts and ends faster than I can get my phone out to take a photo / video.

I believe it’s happening while she’s preening, or about to preen. She arches her neck underneath her body and walks backwards for ~5 seconds before stopping and resuming behavior like normal. I haven’t had any other duck do this.

Additional info: She’s a 6 month old Pekin who was raised alone. She was attacked by a dog when she was young, messing up her wings, but she seems physically fine otherwise. I took her in at 5 months old, or 1 month ago. She has a few other odd behaviors, too, but I believe those are related to her being raised alone and not knowing how to “duck.” This walking-backwards behavior, however, is just.. concerning.

Any insight is welcome!!

 

[Sondraa]

My previous indian runners walked backwards w necks craned and heads upwards as if looking at the stars. I found out it was a plant I couldn't keep them out of..morning glory. However, their symptoms lasted longer than a few seconds. I think it must have been a few minutes because I do have a few pics of their weird stance. No video though. Apparently morning glory is to ducks what acid is to people, I have been told. *unconfirmed.