"wet" duck....?

[pheasant24]

ok so i got a pair of common shelducks and the male's feathers are all messed up...
when ever he gets wet he looks like a wet cat! so does that mean his feathers arent secreting oil?
will they get better ever?

 

[KansasKid]

probably from improper care from the last owner. Most likely he did not have access to adequate water supply. I have also heard of people's domestic ducks having there preen gland clogged, but most likely is from improper care. I have a mandarin that i bought a while back and his feathers still aren't quite right, don't get me wrong he's in good health and is willing to service the hens but his feather quality could have been better.

 

[pheasant24]

so...is there a way to get the oil gland uncloged???

 

[destinduck]

Yep just wipe it with a warm watered washcloth. Cant hurt and you can look at it.But its more than likely what Kansas said.Either way doesnt hurt.

 

[pheasant24]

ok! thanks!

 

[Dr. Todd]

You're not likely to find the oil gland clogged, it's not very common to have a gland completely clogged to the point where the bird can't oil it's feathers. I've even seen birds that effectively lost their oil glands due to infections maintain reasonably good waterproofing. It's more likely that the bird has broken and badly worn feathers that are just too beat up to maintain properly. The bird will need a molt and lots of clean water to regain waterproofing.

The other scenario, less likely in my opinion, is that the bird has a protozoal infection like a Giardia sp. that is causing the condition. You'll need to get the bird to a vet for a hands-on diagnosis.

DT

 

[pheasant24]

haha! ok will do!
thanks! so you dont think that the oil gland in clogged? its just broken wornout feathers?

 

[pheasant24]

okey doke....well he doesnt have a clogged oil gland.
all of his down feathers on his belly are almost all gone.

 

[chickenzoo]

Have they been wormed since you got them or by the previous owner? I would worm with some safeguard just in case, if they haven't. Often worms and such can dull plumage....

 

[pheasant24]

ok i will try that! they havent been wormered yet.