Is it almost time to molt?

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

Daphne’s looking a bit disheveled today and is spending extra time plucking at her feathers. She almost looks itchy! There’s no reason to suspect parasites, at least no more than any other time. She had a partial molt in the spring just after we got her, but has been in tip-top shape since then. Appetite is normal, as is her egg-laying rate (one per day, no exceptions).

Do ducks show a little discomfort when it is time to molt? Is early August a reasonable time to molt in New England (inland, where it has been very hot)? When should I expect a feather covered stall?

Also, while I’m on the subject, my Muscovy pre-teens are about 75% feathered now. Do they have a molt, or do they just feather up and wait until next spring/summer?

Are anyone else’s ducks currently molting?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Some of my birds have started to molt. They can often be seen picking through their feathers more during a molt to help dislodge them.

 

[CayugaJana]

My adults are molting. They looked pretty bad right now.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I didn't think any of mine had started yet until 3 of my scovy's got out of the pool, yep they are beginning.