Molting lethargy or something else

[austroberta]

One of my female runner ducks, Anise, is in full molt. During this molt she has been super cranky (repeatedly nipping at the other ducks) and lethargic. I read that is expected. Today she was really out of it, just standing around, staring into space, while her flock mates foraged. I didn't even see the usual nipping that she has been doing for the last week. Is it normal for ducks to get that spacey, or could something else be going on? She is still eating, but she doesn't seem to have the ravenous appetite she usually has. Usually she's Johnny on the spot to get her treats, but she has been so slow, that usually the other girls get everything before she has time to react. Could something else be going on beside the molt?

One of her duck mates is also molting, although it hasn't been quite as extensive as Anise's molt. She's also not cranky like Anise, and she still seems to have lots of energy to forage, etc.

 

[slordaz]

@Miss Lydia
@WVduckchick

best I can do when it comes to duck health

 

[DuckyDonna]

I know that molting takes a lot of energy out of them. I give mine a handful of cat food in their food bucket for the extra protien they need to make more feathers. You can expect laying to go on hold during this time too.

 

[WVduckchick]

I would assume the molting is the issue. I get the feeling that the girls don’t like to be mated when they are molting, so they tend to be a little less energetic and seclude themselves a bit more.

Of course, I’d keep a close eye on her in case she is sick. Could she have eaten something bad? Or does she look injured in any way?

 

[austroberta]

Thanks, everyone. I think she might be scared of me and hesitant to eat when I am around. When I was inside the house, from the window I saw her shoveling in my cat's food bowl on the front porch like there was no tomorrow.

I can't wait for this molt to be over and done with. It's like she has a bad case of PMS! I don't know why my other duck is taking her molt in stride, but Anise is a moody mess.