Indian Runner Ducks look like drowned rats - advice, please

[BornToQuack]

Anyone thinking they might have a touch of wet feather?

After reading more about Wet Feather, I think you might be right. The ducks have been having a grand time splashing in shallow puddles, but that could also be causing their feathers to get dirty. Combined with the three days that they avoided swimming due to the snowstorm, and it seems like the perfect recipe for Wet Feather.

They bathed today and looked better, but I know it's too early to tell if they're "cured" from the first bout. Tomorrow my husband and I will spread straw around the rest of our yard (about a third is already covered) to help mitigate the mud.

Fingers crossed the straw will do the trick! We already try our best to always ensure they have clean pool and drinking water.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Once they can properly bath and begin to preen good daily they will get their feathers back in good working order. That preening is the key too.