Molting? Pics.

[rubberduckies]

My babies are 9 days old. I've heard that ducks go through a few different molts before they get adult feathers. I'm not too worried yet but just wanted to make sure this is the beginning of a moly and not something else.

 

[rubberduckies]

"The beginning of a molt". Sorry. The Pekin just got out of the water so her tummy is wet too.

 

[jdywntr]

They don't officially molt until they are adult size. They will lose their fuzz and grow in feathers. Some look like they have more bald patches than others during this time. Wings and shoulders seem to be the areas that I see "bald" the most.

By about 8-10 weeks most ducklings will be fully feathered. They will then get in their adult coloring at 18-20 weeks or so.

 

[Amiga]

I recall that different sections started getting real feathers at different times. First, I think, was the tail. Then maybe the breast and belly, and neck.

Here is Elfie at six weeks.