Feathers dull/ruffled. Is she ok? Help please 😔😔😔

[Rouen Mom]

Please please help someone!! My beautiful Kingsley's feathers are looking dull and ruffled. It is her 2nd time attempting to hatch ducklings and looks like none are going to hatch again...idk if she could possibly be sad? Also she is looking skinny. I'm worried out of my mind she could be sick I love her so much

For reference, I give them the best feed-Purina Duck all life stages. Also I supplement with fruits/veggies as much as I can. Their daddy also changes their pool frequently and she has access to fresh water. She usually has straw bedding but we haven't been able to get it for a couple of months because we haven't had the truck to bring it

 

[RossAcres]

She may not be using her preen gland since she's been broody. Maybe try inspecting her preening gland and giving it a wash with dawn and water. Just in case her preening gland is blocked.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

She is getting thinner because right before they go broody they eat extra to fatten up and then eat only what they need to survive when they start sitting a nest. They usually will lose some weight because of this during the brooding process. As far as feathers go it’s also not uncommon for them to start to look more disheveled when broody since broody ducks do not get off of the nest to swim as much. When she reaches her next molt her feathers should grow back in just fine.

 

[Rouen Mom]

She may not be using her preen gland since she's been broody. Maybe try inspecting her preening gland and giving it a wash with dawn and water. Just in case her preening gland is blocked.

Thank you so much!! I am going to try that. Thank you Thank you Thank you how do I inspect it?

 

[Rouen Mom]

She is getting thinner because right before they go broody they eat extra to fatten up and then eat only what they need to survive when they start sitting a nest. They usually will lose some weight because of this during the brooding process. As far as feathers go it’s also not uncommon for them to start to look more disheveled when broody since broody ducks do not get off of the nest to swim as much. When she reaches her next molt her feathers should grow back in just fine.

Thank you soooo much for responding...here I've been so worried that my little girl was sick. You made me feel so much better I am so grateful thank you!!!!

 

[RossAcres]

Thank you so much!! I am going to try that. Thank you Thank you Thank you how do I inspect it?

Do you know where it is or what it looks like? It's right above the tail. It looks like a small nipple. I'll try to add a picture. I would go ahead and wash it just to make sure. just try not to get too much soap on her as it will strip her feathers of their oil.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Candle those eggs to see if there is life if not get her off the nest and destroy it. There is no reason to let her keep sitting and run herself down if no ducklings are going to hatch. What day is she on?

 

[Rouen Mom]

Do you know where it is or what it looks like? It's right above the tail. It looks like a small nipple. I'll try to add a picture. I would go ahead and wash it just to make sure. just try not to get too much soap on her as it will strip her feathers of their oil. View attachment 3898318

Thank you so so much you really helped me more than I can express thank you here I was getting ready to drive her to a vet 4 hours away because that's the closest one but I'd do anything for my duck kids. Thank you a million times

 

[Rouen Mom]

Candle those eggs to see if there is life if not get her off the nest and destroy it. There is no reason to let her keep sitting and run herself down if no ducklings are going to hatch. What day is she on?

28...how do I candle them? I'm scared she'll be heartbroken if I do that, but if none of the eggs hatch she will be sad either way, I know...sigh...my poor baby

 

[HollowOfWisps]

28...how do I candle them? I'm scared she'll be heartbroken if I do that, but if none of the eggs hatch she will be sad either way, I know...sigh...my poor baby

If they are on day 28 I would just give them a few more days. At this stage they don’t have much room to move so if you don’t know how to candle you could mistake a live egg that is about to hatch with no room left thinking it’s a dead one.