Feather Question

[coloradoflock]

Hi All,

We have some Cayuga that are about 3 months old now and up till now they’ve all had very smooth feathers. Today we noticed their feathers are looking a bit more ragged. No other signs or symptoms we’ve noticed and they all seem happy as can be, just a bit ragged. Anything the group thinks we should be concerned about or could it just be the fact summer has finally come to Colorado and the past several days have been absolutely boiling? Pictures down below for reference, thanks in advance for all the great advice!

 

[cheezenkwackers]

Hi All,

We have some Cayuga that are about 3 months old now and up till now they’ve all had very smooth feathers. Today we noticed their feathers are looking a bit more ragged. No other signs or symptoms we’ve noticed and they all seem happy as can be, just a bit ragged. Anything the group thinks we should be concerned about or could it just be the fact summer has finally come to Colorado and the past several days have been absolutely boiling? Pictures down below for reference, thanks in advance for all the great advice!

I remember my first ducks doing this their first summer at about the same age. Mine went on to molt, feathers everywhere. I was never sure if it was the heat, their age, or both. But, I wouldn’t worry.

 

[Quatie]

All mallard derived ducks molt into their adult plumage around 12-13 weeks of age. This is when drakes will get their nuptial plumage and drake tail curl.

 

[Jenbirdee]

Yes it’s first molt time! Start collecting the feathers, you find an make something fun out of them lol we made a wreath