Ducklings - Is their baby fuzz suppose to come off?

[MeganHosmer]

Hi everyone,

first time poster and hopefully it’s okay to do one about ducklings-We successfully raised four chicks who are healthy and about eight months old. Two weeks ago we decided to attempt ducklings- we have nine and everyone seems to be doing okay- eating and drinking fine. Today I noticed one who’s fuzz is not looking great- picture below- is this normal and something they do when their feather come in? I don’t really remember my chicks looking like this. All of them have a little rubbed off on their tail (with new little feathers coming in) but this ones looks much different. Something to be concerned about or is it just ahead of the gang?

 

[CrazyCrttr75]

Yes a duckling will lose its downy fuzz as its feathers start to grow in. Ducks grow a lot faster than chicks.

 

[MeganHosmer]

Yes a duckling will lose its downy fuzz as its feathers start to grow in. Ducks grow a lot faster than chicks.

Thank you! That’s what my gut was telling me, but I didnt want to assume I knew what I was doing and ignore a mite or lice problem

 

[CrazyCrttr75]

Thank you! That’s what my gut was telling me, but I didnt want to assume I knew what I was doing and ignore a mite or lice problem

It's always a good thing to monitor their health and growth. It may be a day or 2 or 3 older than the others. It's not uncommon for one to start getting feathers in before the others. I know I've had that happen with chicks I've gotten as well as ducks. Cute duckling!