Wet Duck

[slymama]

I have 9 welsch harlequins that are 8 months old. Over the last 2 days we have noticed that one of the two males looks wet when they come up from the creek in the evening (they free range during the day). The ducks spend almost the whole day in the creek water and i have never noticed them looking wet before, thanks to their oil glands. It is REALLY cold here (10 degree F lows, 0 tonight!) and I am worried about this wet little duck. Does anyone have any insight? TIA

 

[Amiga]

I would get him in where it is a little warmer - sounds like he may be getting ready to molt. My Bean (drake) looks to be starting a molt. They do sometimes shed feathers at the worst time.

You don't want him hypothermic - so watch out for him - be sure they're getting good nutrition, too. Check his preen gland - if it is clogged up, he cannot oil his feathers. A massage with olive oil may help him out. If there is an infection, he'll need topical antibiotic (nothing with painkiller).