Naked duck?

[chasing ducks]

I think my pekins are losing their down in preparation for their feathers coming in, but since I am used to chickens and not ducks I figured I would ask. I know in chickens I don't usually see bald patches but I have noticed in my 2 older pekins that they are both getting thin patches and some patches where there is no down, they're about 2.5 weeks old. I haven't seen any actual feathers coming in yet so I am a bit worried I am feeding them wrong or something. I know the others aren't pecking at them, I keep a close eye on that, plus the others are all much smaller and I doubt they could reach my pekins backs. Is this normal?

 

[duckyfromoz]

I find my pekins often do look a little bald at times. Not in any particular place each time- but always just a sign of there fast growth and the first feathers being imminent. Three weeks is the usual age I first start to see the first white feathers growing.
Unless you are actually finding bits of down on the floor of the brooder- I would say its just thinning out rather than falling out.

 

[allanimals21]

here I though this was about a featherless breed of duck! Right away I said I WANT ONE! lol

 

[chasing ducks]

 

[chickensducks&agoose]

my ducks and meat chickens always get bald shoulders when they are growing in their new feathers. It'll be fine!