feathers...does that mean predator?

[farmincity]

Got home today found around 50 feathers at duck pool on deck, my runners are 2 months old today. I haven't noticed any feathers until today. I checked both ducks no wounds but lots of feathers came out as I checked on upper chest of one. I am new to ducks they just got these feathers a few weeks ago so I wouldn't think they would be losing them naturally all ready. Do I have a predator

 

[jducour]

No, they are just losing feathers I would guess. It seemed like mine were only fully feathered for a short time before they lost a ton and got more. I think it was closer to three months? But it could have been two. It looked like a pillow exploded all over my yard every day for a few weeks! Sometimes if I have free time I will preen them a bit, feel their chest and belly, do you see or feel new feathers coming in. They will look huge! They will have a protective shaft on them, so they will feel really pokie.

 

[Orca5094]

Like jducour said, they are just going through their first moult. They do this at 2-3 months old. It does seem like a waste since they like JUST get in their juvenile feathers right before going through their first moult into full adult plumage, but that is the way of the ducks for whatever reason. So, no worries! It is completely normal.

 

[farmincity]

Thank you guys. I can't believe they molt so soon. They just got feathers I am really surprised but I am glad there wasn't a predator.