Feathers everywhere!

[CharS]

I'll be changing them back to growers in the morning. I thought it was strange when the breeder said to put them on layers. Have you seen the pictures of my boys? Do you think they are moulting or something a little more sinister? One does look patchy, the other just has a patch on his chest, his head is still very fluffy though.

 

[gal5150]

The only thing suspect to me about the boys is that they are over preening and that patchy....the first thing I thought was mites or lice.....but if that were the case I'd expect to see your female with the same issue.

 

[CharS]

So went I let them out this morning, one male has pulled his feathers back to skin on his chest. His skin looks a little red, he's not interested in anything other than preening his chest. He's been doing this for 40 mins straight! Today I'm on a mission to try & find out why!!! I'm off to get the growers shortly, is there anything else I can get from the local farm shop to stop this?

 

[Welshies]

So went I let them out this morning, one male has pulled his feathers back to skin on his chest. His skin looks a little red, he's not interested in anything other than preening his chest. He's been doing this for 40 mins straight! Today I'm on a mission to try & find out why!!! I'm off to get the growers shortly, is there anything else I can get from the local farm shop to stop this?

Try getting a stop pick spray. Kind of like anti-chewing spray for dogs and cats. It will help, but not fix, the problem.

 

[gal5150]

At this point I think treating for mites is wise. Here's a link from the UK that might help as certain meds/ingredients may differ by name from country to country

http://www.callducks.net/ectop.htm

 

[CharS]

Thanks, I'll nip back to the farm shop & get some. I have also spoke with the vets today & said I want to treat for parasites just to be safe. I'm waiting for a call back tomorrow to see if I need to take the flock with me or if I just need to pick the medicine up. Thanks everyone!!

 

[CharS]

The vet called me back, he recommended using something from a farm/pet shop first but was reluctant to recommend an actual brand, he said there really isn't anything lisenced for ducks (confused face). Then explained if they start to show any discomfort them to take them in. So if any of you helpful people can recommend a brand for external parasites available in the uk I will go pick some up.

 

[Ravynscroft]

The vet called me back, he recommended using something from a farm/pet shop first but was reluctant to recommend an actual brand, he said there really isn't anything lisenced for ducks (confused face). Then explained if they start to show any discomfort them to take them in. So if any of you helpful people can recommend a brand for external parasites available in the uk I will go pick some up.

You said they are 9-10 weeks old, correct?

They are molting, plain and simple... it may look like a duck exploded in the pool, or yard, or pen, or duck house... lol... it's just their juvenile molt... they'll look like scruffy streetfighters for a bit and then be fine... then they'll do it again when their adult feathers come in...

 

[Miss Lydia]

You said they are 9-10 weeks old, correct?

They are molting, plain and simple... it may look like a duck exploded in the pool, or yard, or pen, or duck house... lol... it's just their juvenile molt... they'll look like scruffy streetfighters for a bit and then be fine... then they'll do it again when their adult feathers come in...

X2! they are adorable and mine are same age and are molting also. If they have access to swimming water, water fowl rarely have external parasites unless kept in horrid conditions.

 

[Ravynscroft]

X2! they are adorable and mine are same age and are molting also. If they have access to swimming water, water fowl rarely have external parasites unless kept in horrid conditions.

X2 as well!

I have never had any of mine get any external (or internal for that matter) parasites, and currently I think we're at approx 150 Call ducks, lol... that number is going to reduce drastically soon, but still no bugs... lots of yard ranging and water time and they keep themselves clean and healthy very easily...