feathers all over the cage - wing is bare

[macsducks]

i have 4 ducks - 2 rouen claires and 2 welsh harlequins (2 males, 2 females). they are over a year old. i went in the cage this morning and one of the welsh harlequins (the female) was missing a lot of her wing feathers. her wing bones are exposed. the feathers are all over the cage. i am not sure what to think. any ideas/advice? this is our first duck illness and i wasn't able to find much online. should i separate her from the other ducks? thanks for any information you can offer.

 

[Eggsoteric]

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a duck person, however, could it be she's molting? I have one poor hen that's in molt right now that looks as though she exploded overnight (feathers are everywhere).

 

[macsducks]

i am new to duck-raising so it certainly could be molting. it just seems so extreme. feathers everywhere. and her bare feather "bones" are showing all over her wing. she just looks so thin. i hope you are right - molting would be a great answer! thanks for responding.

 

[Suzie]

Not a moult issue.... separate her NOW - she is being victimised - moulting does not result in such damage - she will thrive when she is away from her current companions! Get her back to full health before exposing her to the former housing - she will only suffer if she is left with the dominant ones.

Suzie