Getting a well-oiled duck

[solarpup]

Hello All-

Blofeld, our Mallard drake, is not taking care of his grooming, and he's not really well-oiled at this point.

Of our three drakes, he's been the skinniest, and since the winter, we've had to keep him separated from the other two, otherwise he gets attacked (or starts the attacks himself). They all get to sit across a partition from each other, but we're not going to allow them to mix until mating season has fully passed.

So, his feathers have been a bit of a mess from the fighting. But he's also not really oiled at all. He just went in the pond, and came out soaked, so we brought him inside to dry him off and warm him up before putting him back in the coop for the night.

I think it's become a bit of a vicious circle. He's skinny, so he gets picked on, he doesn't groom well, he gets cold, he gets skinny, ...

So, does anyone have any suggestions on both fattening him up, and getting his oiling up to snuff? Any suggestions on dietary supplements that might help?

 

[Amiga]

Take a good look at his oil gland, make sure it is not inflamed or anything like that. You might just go ahead and massage the tiniest bit of olive oil or coconut oil into the gland. It might feel nice and get him to preen a little.

I add some flax meal (ground flax seeds) to my ducks' feed especially when anyone is molting or looking a little feather-worn. Some dry cat kibble - a sprinkling on the food - is a protein treat that helps feathers, at least that is my approach.

You might want to consider - and do some research - on adding just a little bit more oil or fat from organic sources to his diet, short-term. Actually the kibble has some goodies in it that may really help him out. Baked sweet potatoes are a nice treat, with some good nutrients that may help him put on some weight and some better body condition. Cooled before serving, of course.

A little time chatting with the guy could help, too. I find my ducks often respond to attention when they seem anxious. Just a chat has made a difference on several occasions. Like right now, Zeh, is calling, looking for me. I better go see what she wants.

 

[heartsizedfarm]

Take a good look at his oil gland, make sure it is not inflamed or anything like that. You might just go ahead and massage the tiniest bit of olive oil or coconut oil into the gland. It might feel nice and get him to preen a little. I add some flax meal (ground flax seeds) to my ducks' feed especially when anyone is molting or looking a little feather-worn. Some dry cat kibble - a sprinkling on the food - is a protein treat that helps feathers, at least that is my approach. You might want to consider - and do some research - on adding just a little bit more oil or fat from organic sources to his diet, short-term. Actually the kibble has some goodies in it that may really help him out. Baked sweet potatoes are a nice treat, with some good nutrients that may help him put on some weight and some better body condition. Cooled before serving, of course. A little time chatting with the guy could help, too. I find my ducks often respond to attention when they seem anxious. Just a chat has made a difference on several occasions. Like right now, Zeh, is calling, looking for me. I better go see what she wants.

Amiga, where is that oil gland, if i were to help out with a bit of massaged coconut oil.

 

[Amiga]

On the back, an inch or two from the end of the tail - not the tail feathers, the tail.

They are not always easy to find. I can see the gland sometimes while my runners are preening, but it takes some patience to locate it the first time.

 

[heartsizedfarm]

Would misting with coconut oil help?

 

[Amiga]

Just in that area? Might.