Rescued Ducks Needing A Bath!!!

[casportpony]

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.

 

[Ravynscroft]

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!!

Anything with feathers has an oil gland, but waterfowl ones are very essential since they bathe in water and not dust... but that is also one reason why chickens dust bath too... if you ever do your own home processing, make sure to remove the oil gland before cooking, otherwise it taints the meat... it is at the base of the tail on their back...

 

[casportpony]

if you ever do your own home processing, make sure to remove the oil gland before cooking, otherwise it taints the meat... it is at the base of the tail on their back...

Good to know!

 

[Amiga]

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!

Rowena was in rough shape at first - she sank like a rock! So we gave her a few inches of water to bathe in (it was summer), and started feeding her with Mazuri Waterfowl Breeder and New Country Organics corn-free layer. A couple of months later her feathers were in great shape.

 

[blessedx44]

Here are the pics you've been waiting for.... I'm running the bath water as we speak!

 

[Ravynscroft]

Good deal! See if they clean themselves and preen well... just don't put them outside wet if it's cold out... damage feathers they might preen into better condition, but if too damaged then you'll have to wait til they molt to see pretty new ones...

 

[blessedx44]

More pics of the worse one... She finally started to wash herself. I hear a little wheezing going on to and something's going on with her eyes, I could cry, she is so underweight. She is light as a feather. Her feathers look rough, hard & thin. I have alot of work to do on this one, poor girl.

 

[blessedx44]

Good deal! See if they clean themselves and preen well... just don't put them outside wet if it's cold out... damage feathers they might preen into better condition, but if too damaged then you'll have to wait til they molt to see pretty new ones...

Well that is a relief! I thought she would have to just deal with these feathers. She's still in the tub preening pretty good. I have them in the garage but should I put them back in the garage if they are damp? It's about 50 degrees in there, a little chilly. My other flock is outside by the river and they have no problem being in the water when it's this cold.

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

May The Lord bless your heart!
You are wonderful for taking this lovelies in!
The poor little girl needs a nice warm bath, some food and lots of love, the poor little one.
I reccomend making Fermented Feed.I know there is another way to do it, But I just add some water to crumble or pellets, stir and give it to my chickens and ducks–They adore it!

Good luck with your girls, I will follow this thread and pop in when I can!

May The Lord keep you and them and your family safe thisChristmas Season!

 

[Ravynscroft]

Well that is a relief! I thought she would have to just deal with these feathers. She's still in the tub preening pretty good. I have them in the garage but should I put them back in the garage if they are damp? It's about 50 degrees in there, a little chilly. My other flock is outside by the river and they have no problem being in the water when it's this cold.

Got a blow dryer? Low setting so they don't get burned works well... make sure to stay with them while they are in deep water like that, I can see she isn't floating properly already... plenty of fresh water and food... I would also look into deworming them since they're light and looking ragged... poor babys... keep them quarantined from your others for sure...