Should I worry about this?

[MidNight Wings]

So this is the story: My older sister went out to get hay for the horses and came home the proud mother of three little ducklings... They are about a week and 1/2 now and the smallest is starting to develope a problem... (I have chickens and my BFF has had ducklings but I'm still stumped as to what is calsing this problem)

From about mid back down to her butt she is having a very apperent thinning of fuz... at first I thought other ducks are nibbling at her, no big deal. but after watching her for about and hour and seeing her work at it and worry the spot I am a bit concerned.


Is this normal, and if not what should I do?​

 

[Amiga]

Is she following these basic guidelines, pretty much?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Not to offend nor give anyone the idea that I'm being judgmental, but if any of my ducks are "nibbling" to the point of feather loss, then I make changes and separate either the nibbled or the suspected nibbler.

It seems like its probly quite early, but I guess it could just be that ugly duckling phase, where fuzz falls out and feathers come in. I'd just keep an eye on things.

 

[Amykins]

Not to offend nor give anyone the idea that I'm being judgmental, but if any of my ducks are "nibbling" to the point of feather loss, then I make changes and separate either the nibbled or the suspected nibbler.

It seems like its probly quite early, but I guess it could just be that ugly duckling phase, where fuzz falls out and feathers come in. I'd just keep an eye on things.

By the last sentence it made it sound like the nibbled IS the nibbler. Is that the case, Mid? I know captive birds can start to pull their feathers out when they're stressed, but I've never heard of it happening in such a young duck.

 

[ducklover87]

So this is the story:  My older sister went out to get hay for the horses and came home the proud mother of three little ducklings...  They are about a week and 1/2 now and the smallest is starting to develope a problem...   (I have chickens and my BFF has had ducklings but I'm still stumped as to what is calsing this problem)​

From about mid back down to her butt she is having a very apperent thinning of fuz...  at first I thought other ducks are nibbling at her, no big deal.  but after watching her for about and hour and seeing her work at it and worry the spot I am a bit concerned.    ​

Is this normal, and if not what should I do?  ​

Just a thought but you said they aren't picking each others fuzz and that she works at it maybe her oil gland is malfunctioning? I would check it over and see. Or like hollyduck farmer said maybe her feathers are starting to come in and its really itchy? I'd deff look at her oil gland though and make sure its o.k.

 

[MidNight Wings]

Okay, thank you guys! ^^
I really have no idea what I'm doing and I don't want them to get hurt. (I didn't sign up for this! XD )
Also Ducklover, I have a sorta stupid question I know, but what is her oil gland?​

 

[8GeeseALaying]

Okay, thank you guys!  ^^  ​

I really have no idea what I'm doing and I don't want them to get hurt.  (I didn't sign up for this! XD )​

Also Ducklover, I have a sorta stupid question I know, but what is her oil gland?   ​

The oil gland or preen gland is located on the back near the base of the tail. Since you said you have chickens, have you noticed that before they preen their feathers they "touch" the base of their tail with their beak then nibble(preen) a section of feathers. Ducks, geese, chickens etc have an oil gland. It is what helps keep the feathers looking crisp and pretty.
Also what color fluff do these ducklings have? I have white ducklings and when they were a few days to a week or so old mine started looking bald in places, tips of the wings and back. I figured out that they were playing in their water bowl entirely too much and before they dried completely they were back in again so this was making them look bald. White fuzz against pink skin looks like no fuzz at all. So i fixed their water bowl to where they could dip their head in but not get their whole body in unless i let them. Not saying that this is what is wrong with your sisters ducklings but just telling what happened to me just in case.

 

[MidNight Wings]

Okay, that sounds like it could be it.

The one with the problem is black, and the other two are Mallards. (brown and dark yellow)​