My ducks

[wayne p]

My female duck is loosing feathers,it's 35 degrees here,but my male is not,anyone have a thought?

 

[Freisian]

Welcome to the community Wayne! she may just be moulting. it might be worth posting a picture and there is a duck forum or two; also try searching the forums for ,duck moulting, or ,duck feather loss. To search look at the top there is a ‘ search forum’ tab.
I can guarantee you will find an answer here from someone, I always do

 

[pineapple416]

I agree that she is probably just molting.

 

[PirateGirl]

Have there been any major changes lately? Different food? Different housing? Anything that could cause stress? I was just reading the other day that a change in diet could induce molt at a time of year that is unusual. Perhaps there is a simple environmental explanation other than illness.

 

[chickens really]

Hens Molt before the Drakes each spring..Drakes will have an eclipse molt after breeding season and resemble Hens..Then molt again to be all fancy for the Hens..

 

[PirateGirl]

Hens Molt before the Drakes each spring..Drakes will have an eclipse molt after breeding season and resemble Hens..Then molt again to be all fancy for the Hens..

So do hens only molt once a year (typically) and drakes twice a year then?

 

[chickens really]

So do hens only molt once a year (typically) and drakes twice a year then?

No...Hens also molt twice but not so drastic in changes..They lose flight feathers..I find it hard to explain when typing..

 

[PirateGirl]

No...Hens also molt twice but not so drastic in changes..They lose flight feathers..I find it hard to explain when typing..

Gotcha. So both will have a pre and post mating season molt of sorts and is normal and healthy, and in the spring the hens molt before the drakes, normally. Just trying to learn you seem to be one of the go to duck people on here regularly and my first ducks come home with me a week from today! I am trying to absorb all the info I can, and I'm sure I will have a million more questions once they move in.

 

[chickens really]

Yes...Hens molt early spring here..Mine are starting...Then after breeding season again. Around July here.
The Drakes Molt after breeding season into an eclipse molt so look like Hens..Then they molt back into beautiful plumage in the Fall to look great for breeding season.

 

[Animal family]

My duck is molting too and she started right after Christmas. My drake isn’t at all. I think it’s early but this is my first year of having ducks so I’m not sure what to expect. The temps here have been all over the place so maybe that has sped things up. Just give her extra protein and keep her warm at night.