feather question

[veronicasmom]

Hopefully, I will explain this so it makes sense. I got two unrelated white muscovies. The feathers on one of them just don't look right. She always looks "greasy" looking. Unkempt and shaggy looking. She is alert, active, not sure if she is laying or not. Hard to tell who is and who is not. She may not be. I got her a few months ago and she has never looked as good as the other white muscovy. She just kind of looks dirty.
I don't see her bathe. My other muscovies don't spend much time in the pool or pans but I have seen them in there occasionally. I have never seen this one bathing at all. I spray her with the hose once in a while to see if it will help, but it does not and she really does not enjoy it.
Her eyes are bright, she eats well, she is out on bug patrol daily.
Is there something different with muscovy feathers? Like I said the other white one looks better and the other dark ones look gorgeous. The rest of my ducks all have lovely healthy looking feathers.

 

[Amiga]

She may have a nutritional deficiency, a preen gland problem, or a behavioral quirk, just to name some ideas.

For nutrition, you can try to address that with vitamins, and / or an upgrade in feeding program.

Check the preen gland. Sometimes they get plugged up.

Behavioral . . . some ducks just don't like to splash in water. Perhaps gently nabbing her for a special trip to a lukewarm tub will help. If she is by herself and less concerned that someone will push her under, she may relax and begin to clean herself up.

 

[veronicasmom]

Thanks Amiga. How do I check the preen gland? I am guessing she is not going to be happy with me!!!!
Vitamins? What can I give her/all of them?

 

[Amiga]

Sometimes it's a little tricky to find, but when you see it, you will know that is what it is.

You might want some help, but I find that kneeling or cross-legged, I can usually lightly hug the duck with its head pointed toward my back and its derriere in front of me. Holding wings and body with one arm, I can then (helps to have wet fingers to do this) part feathers around the base of the spine toward the tail, looking for the preen gland. It always takes me a few minutes, perhaps there is someone who can describe its location better.

Flax seed is supposed to help with feathers. I have been thinking about adding some ground flaxseed flour, since some of my ducks get a little wet when it rains.