I Think My Duckling Is Pulling Out His Feathers?

[NewRunnerMama]

Hey everyone! First thread for me!

My black runner is a little over 2 weeks old and he's growing in his teenager feathers I think...when he swims he looses tiny little feathers but now it seems he's loosing bigger feathers, and he might be pulling them out? Is this normal???

TIA.

 

[Muscovynmore]

Welcome to BYC!

And here's where I confess that I'm not sure. I haven't had runners before, but my fast-growing ducks (Anconas) certainly don't have feathers at two weeks. Rule of thumb, I wouldn't worry. He's probably just shedding them, and if not, they'll grow back later.

Does he have buddies, or is he alone?

If you think he's pulling feathers, a picture might be helpful.

But really, he's probably just grooming. Hopefully.

 

[Amiga]

My feeling is similar to that of Muscovynmore. Probably grooming, and that does pull some feathers out.

Welcome!

Please share a little more about your little!

 

[cayugaducklady]

When i was prepping for my 1st ducklings I read in a duck keeping book that lack of greens / fiber can cause some ducklingss to pull feathers out of themselves and their flock mates.

My cayugas definitely didn't have feathers ar 2 weeks. They were still covered in fluffy black down.

 

[NewRunnerMama]

Hes alone for now, were ordering him a friend this weekend I think!

His name is charlie and he's the first duck I've ever had, so I'm pretty overprotective of him! He has long tail feathers which I think he may have been pulling at, and the tops of his wings are semi-bare. I just always fret over him!

 

[Muscovynmore]

That sounds perfectly normal to me. I'd say bring him outside when you can, but really, there's no need to worry.