Feather Loss Around Eyes

[miloandmoe]

In the past few days, I have noticed feather loss around the eyes of my duck. More recently, around the edge of their bills as well. Their actual eyes look perfectly fine - alert as usual. There is no drainage coming from their eyes either. I'm not sure what could be causing this because they are growing feathers on the top of their heads just fine (a black feather patch is growing in white). I suspect perhaps they have dry eyes from their water? We have hard water. Their eyelid, that is not exposed when their eyes are open, is still fully feathered so that is what leads me to think that it is dry eye/skin that is causing their feather loss. These are my first ducks so I'm very concerned. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Isaac 0]

Hello again.

Could you post a few pictures of their eyes?

The pictures will be helpful, but feather loss around the eye can sometimes mean they're molting (If you live in the U.S its molting season) right now. It can also be a good indicator that they're no getting sufficient bathing time. What kind of water source do you provide them with? Have you checked them for signs of ectoparasites?

 

[miloandmoe]

Hi again! I may have jumped the gun on worrying too fast because I believe they are growing their caruncles! As I was researching, I wasn't researching breed specific. More like ducks in general. They are white muscovies so this would explain why their actual eye looks fine? They bathe in a pool of hose water.

 

[Isaac 0]

Hi again! I may have jumped the gun on worrying too fast because I believe they are growing their caruncles! As I was researching, I wasn't researching breed specific. More like ducks in general. They are white muscovies so this would explain why their actual eye looks fine? They bathe in a pool of hose water.

Normal! Muscovies have very little feathers around their eye/bill area.

They're beautiful birds by the way.