Ducklings scratching themselves

[purplesquirrel]

How old are they?  When their adult feathers begin to come in, they can often be itchy and irritable.  If their down and feathers are otherwise OK looking, it could just be that or itchy dry skin.

Hey,
They're a month old tomorrow, I have 2 boys and a girl (I'm swapping one of my boys for a girl back to my breeder tomorrow) both boys already have tail feather stalks or 'toilet roll tubes' as I call them ha. They seem happy and healthy, skin isn't red or scabby, I think it would really show if they have mites...?

 

[purplesquirrel]

You can see on the back of the duckling on the far right, he has the worst. Just thinning on the back of the neck

 

[desertdarlene]

Are you sure that's from scratching or could another duckling be doing that to him. That doesn't look normal. It could be mites, but I'm not sure.

I just realized that the OP posted this 2 years ago.

 

[purplesquirrel]

Yeh haha but pretty quick response though and appreciated!
I don't know where they would have got mites from, I've never had them before and I don't live anywhere near other chickens or ducks and we have a huge walled garden, or bedding it clean too. The breeder is coming over later so he'll know, I'll let you know what he thinks!

 

[GraceHomestead]

I know I am late but what did you ever find out?
My 4 week olds have pink on their necks and backs where they are "itching" with their bill.
Is this them just molting?

 

[GraceHomestead]

Here you can see their pink neck.

 

[purplesquirrel]

Well it got a bit worse, and then it got a lot better. I think it might be a combination of scratching as their feathers start to develop under the skin. I imagine they're quite irritating when you think how big those follicles are that hold the thick, strong feathers - compared to fluffy, soft down.
It might also be the others as they try to dominate each other by 'nibbling' and shoving with their bodies.
I never really knew what it was but they soon grew up out of it.

I suggest you don't worry about it. Make sure they have access to clean water for washing, reduce the amount of poo build up in their living areas, and make sure they have space to move about and not get stressed by being too close to each other all the time.
Unless it gets to the point where sores start to develop, I doubt it's not much more than mild feather irritation.

All my ducks developed normal healthy plumage. I've sold them all now as I only keep runner ducks for breeding. I couldn't really afford to feed such heavy ducks as muscovies. Do love them though!

All the best

Kate.

 

[purplesquirrel]

Well it got a bit worse, and then it got a lot better. I think it might be a combination of scratching as their feathers start to develop under the skin. I imagine they're quite irritating when you think how big those follicles are that hold the thick, strong feathers - compared to fluffy, soft down.
It might also be the others as they try to dominate each other by 'nibbling' and shoving with their bodies.
I never really knew what it was but they soon grew up out of it.

I suggest you don't worry about it. Make sure they have access to clean water for washing, reduce the amount of poo build up in their living areas, and make sure they have space to move about and not get stressed by being too close to each other all the time.
Unless it gets to the point where sores start to develop, I doubt it's not much more than mild feather irritation.

All my ducks developed normal healthy plumage. I've sold them all now as I only keep runner ducks for breeding. I couldn't really afford to feed such heavy ducks as muscovies. Do love them though!

All the best

Kate.

 

[Ivory T]

I recently got scratched by my pet duck, not so much of a cut but little red markings that's slightly burn like a cat scratch. Is there anything I should worry about? And my duck is raised indoors if that helps.

 

[The Real Mango]

Hi, I have 6 muscovy ducklings that I have been observing for some time now. They are 22 days old and appear to be very healthy In appearance. There are many good videos online that could be very helpful. I have been documenting their progress from when they were eggs. I have cameras set up and able to monitor their every day habits.

As far as the itching. I don't know exactly why they itch, but it appears to be normal. I use wood chips for their bedding and gave them the option to use the brooder to keep them warm. They like to bond together for warmth and because they are siblings. I leave them outside during the day and I have a small inflatable baby pool. They love it! At night I bring them inside, but before I put them in their sleeping area, I put them in a plastic storage basket. I fill with warm water about 3 to 4 inches of water. They love that too! My ducklings clean themselves and dip their heads and body under water. All the dirt will sink to the bottom. After about 10 minutes I dry them off with a towel and put them in their sleeping quarters with some food and water. They find themselves very clean and relaxed.
I am not by any means an expert on muscovy ducklings, but I found myself with the motive to care of them until they grow wings. There are many predators that are interested in the eggs and as new born ducklings. In the past few months I have been surprised to find 5 different nests at my front door. These ducklings will be my last. The mother of the ducklings still visits 2 to 3 times a day. I will release them to her when they grow their wings, so they can get away from predators.
There is a story to tell from the first nest to present.
I hope I was able to answer some of your questions that you may have had.

Good Luck!