Fur rash or disease?

[ahiru]

Hi. I have four two-week-old ducklings. I have considered them quite healthy until two days ago, when their initial feed ran out, they didn't eat for a day. They are once again eating. But the bigger problem is the fur condition on one of the ducklings. I will upload a photo. She has looked strange ever since I put them in some water. Is she sick? Does anyone have an idea of this problem? Her condition got a lot worse today.

 

[DuckyDonna]

I believe she's getting her teenage feathers! @Miss Lydia

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

Hi. I have four two-week-old ducklings. I have considered them quite healthy until two days ago, when their initial feed ran out, they didn't eat for a day. They are once again eating. But the bigger problem is the fur condition on one of the ducklings. I will upload a photo. She has looked strange ever since I put them in some water. Is she sick? Does anyone have an idea of this problem? Her condition got a lot worse today.

I suggest you go to the forum for emergencies and see if you can find better information. Good luck.

 

[Cayuga momma]

What do you use as bedding. The duckling could be having a reaction to something in their brooder. I've seen this happen with someone who use cedar shavings.

 

[Miss Lydia]

You didn’t have feed for them for a whole day? Poor wee things! But yes what your seeing is they are transitioning from duckling down to starting to get in their feathers.

 

[ahiru]

What do you use as bedding. The duckling could be having a reaction to something in their brooder. I've seen this happen with someone who use cedar shavings.

Thank you. I have just been using a towel and changing it once a day.

 

[ahiru]

You didn’t have feed for them for a whole day? Poor wee things! But yes what your seeing is they are transitioning from duckling down to starting to get in their feathers.

No, they didn't eat for a whole day. Feed, which was different from the first kind they had been eating, was always available, and I tried different kinds including cut vegetables. They had been eating very well before. They are eating again but perhaps not as well as before that day.

 

[Cayuga momma]

Thank you. I have just been using a towel and changing it once a day.

Miss Lydia is probably right they are just getting their adult feathers, but keep an eye on them. Whatever detergent you use on your towels could become an irritant once it heats up from your heating source. Animals can get allergic to things just like humans.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Same feed they had before you ran out? Can you get them outside for sun an exercise that should perk up their appetites . Eyes look clear? No raspy breathing? They can look weird when going through that stage of losing down and feathers are beginning to grow in can you see any prickly Stubbs yet?

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

No, they didn't eat for a whole day. Feed, which was different from the first kind they had been eating, was always available, and I tried different kinds including cut vegetables. They had been eating very well before. They are eating again but perhaps not as well as before that day.

What are you feeding them? A starter grower feed perhaps?