Ducklings balding with red skin?

[Ehchwi]

Hi I am new to the duck world and I have 2 pekin ducks and i *think* a khaki campbell. I am not sure how old they are but they are still ducklings. The youngest one maybe 2 weeks old or less but this problem is more apparent on him/her. Especially on the neck and down the back his skin seems red and is balding. It has gotten increasingly worse since this morning and I was shocked when I saw him. Though it is way more noticeable The other pekin has this too but on a lesser scale. I am not sure about the Khaki (he is the eldest i think about a month?) but since he is a brown color I may not be noticing it as much... They do preen each other once in a while but only when they are wet.

I am a college student so I cant afford to take them to the vet right now. If i really need to I will but I want to make sure Im not just being nervous! For all I know they could be just loosing their baby feathers!

I keep them in a storage bin with pine bedding. they have 24/7 access to food and water. I feed them duck feed and I let them swim in luke warm water at least twice a day. I also have a 125 watt heating lamp. they have plenty ventilation as well. I change the bedding everyday since it get pretty wet and dirty.

*UPDATE* After I gave them a bath it is hardly even noticeable! I think they are just loosing baby feathers but i still want to know what you more experienced people think. Also any tips?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Hi I am new to the duck world and I have 2 pekin ducks and i *think* a khaki campbell. I am not sure how old they are but they are still ducklings. The youngest one maybe 2 weeks old or less but this problem is more apparent on him/her. Especially on the neck and down the back his skin seems red and is balding. It has gotten increasingly worse since this morning and I was shocked when I saw him. Though it is way more noticeable The other pekin has this too but on a lesser scale. I am not sure about the Khaki (he is the eldest i think about a month?) but since he is a brown color I may not be noticing it as much... They do preen each other once in a while but only when they are wet.

I am a college student so I cant afford to take them to the vet right now. If i really need to I will but I want to make sure Im not just being nervous! For all I know they could be just loosing their baby feathers!

I keep them in a storage bin with pine bedding. they have 24/7 access to food and water. I feed them duck feed and I let them swim in luke warm water at least twice a day. I also have a 125 watt heating lamp. they have plenty ventilation as well. I change the bedding everyday since it get pretty wet and dirty.

*UPDATE* After I gave them a bath it is hardly even noticeable! I think they are just loosing baby feathers but i still want to know what you more experienced people think. Also any tips?

Sounds like they are losing there baby fluff. and they can look a bit naked when that happens. Make sure they aren't too hot do you have a thermometer in their brooder? We had someone post a while back about having 2 Pekins in her dorm room and she had to give them up because they were so loud. I hope that doesn't happen with yours.
Welcome to BYC!!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711

 

[Ehchwi]

Hi! No i do not have a thermometer... i should invest in one! i think you are right about their baby fluff... they grow up so fast!

I live in a dorm but I keep them in my boyfriends apartment. Summer break is coming and my dad is making a duck house for them to stay in!

Thanks for the link!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Hi! No i do not have a thermometer... i should invest in one! i think you are right about their baby fluff... they grow up so fast!

I live in a dorm but I keep them in my boyfriends apartment. Summer break is coming and my dad is making a duck house for them to stay in!

Thanks for the link!

Your welcome ducks are awesome pets enjoy yours and when you get time post pics we'd love to see them.