Duck Tail Feathers Breaking

[Cecisflock]

I have oyster shell for the lady. She is not that interested. And her eggs have very hard shells. Should I put some oyster shell in for them and see how it goes? I have heard it can cause kidney problems for drakes.

mm that's true, but i'd say not give it for long and you'll be fine.

 

[SolarDuck]

He has been very interested in it in the past. Maybe because he is calcium deficient?

Did he actually like go over and eat it or wad he just checking it out to see what it is? Ducks are very curious

 

[Ellyhutch]

Did he actually like go over and eat it or wad he just checking it out to see what it is? Ducks are very curious

Yes he has actually eaten it. I think he has it confused with free choice grit.

 

[KaleIAm]

I'm not saying it isn't a nutrition issue, but I'm curious why it would affect only his tail feathers if it were?

@Ellyhutch could you take him to an avian vet for blood testing? I do this with my ducks and they can tell me what my ducks' calcium levels are. It is expensive, but then you would know and wouldn't be possibly risking his kidneys when his calcium levels might be fine and it is another issue. Just a suggestion, I know not everyone has avian vets in their area or the extra money.

 

[Ratchnick]

Can we get a top down picture of his broken feathers

 

[Ellyhutch]

Can we get a top down picture of his broken feathers

Attached are two more pics. I did trim them since they tend to break a little unevenly.

 

[Ellyhutch]

I'm not saying it isn't a nutrition issue, but I'm curious why it would affect only his tail feathers if it were?

@Ellyhutch could you take him to an avian vet for blood testing? I do this with my ducks and they can tell me what my ducks' calcium levels are. It is expensive, but then you would know and wouldn't be possibly risking his kidneys when his calcium levels might be fine and it is another issue. Just a suggestion, I know not everyone has avian vets in their area or the extra money.

I will definitely look into doing this. I am not super worried about him because he has no other "symptoms" and is really energetic and healthy otherwise. But I would like to see his beautiful flush of tail feathers again some day.