Weird feathers growing in front of eye - is there an infection? Cause of this?

[CoriM]

I adopted a couple of female call ducks in March, one with wry neck and the owner said she didn't know if that issue was due to an injury or toxic feed. Her neck is practically normal now and her condition greatly improved, but her one eye has always been weird and I don't know if it was due to an injury, or what. I used Terramycin a few times but didn't notice a big difference. I'm not sure if I should give it a try again and be more consistent. I don't understand why the feathers are growing up in front of the eye, or what I could possibly do about that. She doesn't seem bothered by it, but the eye clearly doesn't look great to me and I would like to help if there's anything I could do. If anyone has any feedback or experience with something similar I would love to get some advice. Thanks in advance.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I might try trimming the feathers short and see if it helps.

 

[CoriM]

I have thought of it - yikes, seems dangerous though. I will have to order a tiny scissors.

 

[Papaye]

Hi.

Maybe take her to a vet...?
I don't know, but to me, it looks like it would be preferable to surgically remove the weird feathers - just to be sure it won't bother your duck again...

Or wait for her next molt : your duck could be lucky enough - who knows -, and be free of these feathers then...?

...Are you sure they are feathers, in fact?
Looking at your picture, it really seems weird to me... like skin and flesh instead of feathers...!

 

[CoriM]

It is little feathers. She just molted a month ago. I think she was injured prior to my getting her, possibly a mating injury? I don't know...the lady I got her from didn't know either. I will order a tiny scissors and see if I can just carefully clip that area.

 

[AinaWGSD]

If you're certain they're feathers trimming is probably not a bad idea. Maybe toenail clippers would be safer than scissors? Just be sure to clip them as close as possible, otherwise the cut shafts might cause more problems than the feathers currently are.