Rescued Ducks Needing A Bath!!!

[blessedx44]

Hi all,

Today I went to the farmers market and rescued 2 female pekins duck, again, from being someones dinner. They are pretty muddy looking and look as though they could use a bath. My question is, should I bathe them because I want to but hubby says I could damage their feathers from being waterproof. I will upload some pics when I get home but trust me they are dirty. If I can bathe them what can I wash them in?

 

[Bridger Davis]

I'll ask @chickens really I would say let them swim in a kiddie pool after they groom. Grooming spreads around the waterproofing oils.. Thanks for saving them!!

 

[casportpony]

Hi all,

Today I went to the farmers market and rescued 2 female pekins duck, again, from being someones dinner. They are pretty muddy looking and look as though they could use a bath. My question is, should I bathe them because I want to but hubby says I could damage their feathers from being waterproof. I will upload some pics when I get home but trust me they are dirty. If I can bathe them what can I wash them in?

Please post some pictures.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Please post some pictures.

X2

 

[Miss Lydia]

I wouldn't ever use any type of soap that will strip all oils off their feathers then they won't be water proof. That is why they use dawn to clean birds that have been in oil spills.

Can you offer them a small kiddy pool so they can get in and bathe? If they get water they will most likely take care of themselves.

Bless you for rescuing these Pekins

 

[Ravynscroft]

Please post some pictures.

X2

I wouldn't ever use any type of soap that will strip all oils off their feathers then they won't be water proof. That is why they use dawn to clean birds that have been in oil spills.

Can you offer them a small kiddy pool so they can get in and bathe? If they get water they will most likely take care of themselves.

Bless you for rescuing these Pekins

X2

If they're in rough shape, I would just put them in the tub... they should clean themselves but if they're not well, they may need some help... avoid soaps of any kind if at all possible...

 

[sourland]

Allow them access to swimming water, and they will bathe themselves. Do not bathe them with soap. @Ravynscroft is right on the money with that.

 

[blessedx44]

Thanks for all your replies, haven't made it home yet to upload pics but will as soon as I arrive. I sorta figured not to use any soap but from what I see they look like they will need some type of cleaning assistance. They aren't the regular looking muddy little ducks but they look pretty rough and underfed. I've already began feeding the proper nutrients and supplements in their food and water. Now if I can just do something about those feathers... Will keep you posted!

 

[Sunshine Flock]

Wow, I never knew that about ducks and oils on their feathers. Chickens don't have those same oils, right?

What a clever design!

And how wonderful of you to rescue them. I can't wait to see photos!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Chickens do have an oil gland and when you see them preening you will probably see them rubbing their heads at the base of their tail that is where the oil gland is located.