Molting feathers feathering

[tdgill]

I am correct in my thinking that there are THREE molts from hatch to adulthood?

Seems my ducks are starting to drop feathers again at 4.5 months old. At least the two welsh harlequins seem to be starting.

First fluffy down then

baby feathers(?) and as soon as I got used to them they dropped those

and then got darker more true color (as in the buffs)juvenile feathers

and now starting to get adult feathers?

 

[Speceider]

Yes, they grow juvenile pluamge, then molt into first basic, and then into first alternate. Then then molt into second basic about 9 months. Drake and duck have the same patterns, but different dates.

Clint

 

[tdgill]

thank you for the info. new terms for me!

 

[toadbriar]

it's just basically a feather explosion from now on. Like living in a snow globe.

 

[taras.farm]

yes that's just about the deal!