Ducklings losing fluff/feathers on wings

[Amiga]

Sounds like it was a few things - keep watching, and please keep us posted. Seems you all are doing better.

 

[JerseyGlove]

. I've raised the brood lamp and they are getting their feathers quite rapidly now. The problem with the dry bare wings has seemed to be remedied! Thanks for all the input! Now I just need to figure out when to introduce the ducks into the chicken coop

 

[jennifleur]

I was glad to find this thread. I have been worried about my silver muscovy duckling. She is just starting to get her real feathers on her tail sides and upper shoulders. Her wings are bare and pink, with just a few wisps of yellow down. The rest of her is densly covered with new white down and old wispy dull yellow down that sticks out above it. This is only our fifth duck and our first silver. I don't remember the other older, darker ducks looking this naked on the wings. Bare pink and slightly crusty or dry. Even the hubby noticed it! She is not under a heat lamp and is outside with her mom. The weather has been in 70's 80's. She has shade, to get out of the sun. Eats tons of greens, bugs, mealworms and duck pellets. Should I put sunscreen or some type of lotion? I was worried about putting oil on them since they already look abit fried. They are just so...bare. I hope its normal.Thanks for any input.

 

[jennifleur]

Picture of ducklings wings.








Edited 1st picture post newb

 

[Amiga]

Has the duckling been plucking its feathers, or have others been doing so? That could damage the follicles and prevent feathers from growing in.

 

[jennifleur]

No she hasn't. Just normal grooming. The older ones have bopped her on the butt a few times, without pulling out feathers. She peeps bloody murder, and her mom will tear out after them. Nothing that causes damage like pulled fluff, bleeding or bruising. Its odd.

 

[Amiga]

Well, this one is mysterious. I wonder if there is simply a genetic oddity going on - I will poke around and see if I can find any references to something like this. How much protein is in the feed? Wondering if maybe a teaspoon of crushed dry cat kibble daily might help.