Ratty feathers

[Beanfox]

Any idea what could be causing this ratty feather patch? It’s right where she puts her bill to sleep

It’s our Toulouse goose female. She doesn’t itch or show signs of something being wrong

She did lose a larger patch of feathers on her chest a few months ago, I believe due to our drakes that have since been rehomed. But that was prior to this ratty section forming.

 

[Goosebaby]

Does she have a pool to bathe in?

How old is she?

What feed is she on?

Have you noticed any unusual behavior? Like sitting around or sleeping more often?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

My adult geese will start molting by the end of June after the breeding season ends. A few are getting old looking feathers. I would assume yours too is getting close to the molt.

 

[Beanfox]

Does she have a pool to bathe in?

How old is she?

What feed is she on?

Have you noticed any unusual behavior? Like sitting around or sleeping more often?

They have a pool and a small tub (for their heads really). Although they’ve all been bathing in the rain/mud puddles in the yard daily.

She will be 1 in June

She eats Purina waterfowl food and has access to a yard of grass and cracked corn that falls from the bird feeders lol

No unusual behavior whatsoever. So I’m a bit lost

She does have scissor beak.. since she was little. I obviously watch her closely regularly and it hasn’t seemed to affect her eating or drinking.

 

[Beanfox]

My adult geese will start molting by the end of June after the breeding season ends. A few are getting old looking feathers. I would assume yours too is getting close to the molt.

Hopefully that’s it! Just seemed odd at how early this started. It’s been at least a month now

 

[Goosebaby]

They have a pool and a small tub (for their heads really). Although they’ve all been bathing in the rain/mud puddles in the yard daily.

She will be 1 in June

She eats Purina waterfowl food and has access to a yard of grass and cracked corn that falls from the bird feeders lol

No unusual behavior whatsoever. So I’m a bit lost

She does have scissor beak.. since she was little. I obviously watch her closely regularly and it hasn’t seemed to affect her eating or drinking.

It’s probably the scissor beak. She’s unable to preen normally and she might be drooling a bit while asleep.

 

[Beanfox]

It’s probably the scissor beak. She’s unable to preen normally and she might be drooling a bit while asleep.

Okay that would make sense. Is there anything I can/should be doing to help her?

Also not sure if any of this makes a difference but I add electrolytes to their water occasionally and there’s always access to oyster shell flakes

 

[Goosebaby]

Okay that would make sense. Is there anything I can/should be doing to help her?

Also not sure if any of this makes a difference but I add electrolytes to their water occasionally and there’s always access to oyster shell flakes

You can always add vitamins occasionally. Of she’s having trouble preening that may be a lifelong issue, though it shouldn’t be majorly concerning. Mostly just keep an extra eye out for her in the winter months to make sure she’s drying out after getting wet.