Mandarin Duck thread ( for posting pictures and discussing)

[TheYeldman]

Anyone had ducklings strangely appear to have drowned just as their adult feathers are coming in? Just found one of my nearly 4 week old ducklings upside down in the paddling pool. The same sort of thing happened with 2 ducklings last year. I don't know if it's because their feathers aren't really waterproof at the moment

 

[BYC-user-174785]

It sounds like your bird was not completely waterproof and got water logged and drowned. There's also a chance that it was unable to get out of the water, so perhaps you could look into something such as a wire ramp. If the duck did not have access to water gradually as a duckling, then putting it into a pond could be disastrous. When I let my ducklings swim to build up their waterproofing I always am supervising them.

 

[TheYeldman]

They're with the mother and have had access since day 1. I think they just lose waterproofing when they are intermediate between down and adult feathers. It should know how to get out though the silly thing!

 

[BYC-user-174785]

I did have one instance where a duckling that was getting its feathers in drowned. They had had access to water but apparently that one was unable to get out. But with their mom it would seem like they should be okay. Hopefully you don't lose anymore!

 

[Buck Oakes]

okay but when they get their adult feathers they're okay, like they won't drown? bc mine have never been swimming and won't till they go outside to the aviary

 

[BYC-user-174785]

Wet brooding is supposed to be beneficial to them since in the wild they would be swimming with their mom. But some dry brood with great success. I have had birds that have their adult feathers get waterlogged before I allowed my ducklings to swim around. With supervision they should be okay. They will just have to build up their waterproofing.

 

[Buck Oakes]

okay, good bc i was really worried after reading that also Sky and Ember are doing great, i'm pretty sure they are both girls so yay! i couldn't have nay babies except for maybe one and this way its going to be great bc i want have to pick a baby to keep since they won't have any!

 

[cajunfowl0]

I'm not an expert but I think that you won't be able to really tell a difference for a little while longer. I'm sure they both look like girls right now. I don't think the males start off with their colors they will get the later on. Kinda like a mallard. Blue creek would know more!

 

[BYC-user-174785]

Yes the males will acquire their color later on. You can post pictures of them if you would like.

 

[Buck Oakes]

okay i'll take pics either later today or tomorrow if i can get around to it