Wet feather

[Kellypete9]

My almost 2yr old duck was in my pond and couldn't get out. When I went to her all her feathers were soaked and she was shivering. I am guessing after doing research it is wet feather but she also has these weird red Mark's on her beak. Any thoughts?View attachment 2980580

 

[CoriM]

That is really strange. Did she seem traumatized? How long had she been out there since you'd last seen her looking normal. I thought wet feather was more common in ducks that don't have frequent access to swimming. What is her diet like?

 

[Kellypete9]

That is really strange. Did she seem traumatized? How long had she been out there since you'd last seen her looking normal. I thought wet feather was more common in ducks that don't have frequent access to swimming. What is her diet like?

Her mate died about a month ago and the other 2 drakes that she is with have been ganging up on her. Not sure if that has been the problem. She is one of 5 females. She eats random fruit and veggies and purina all flock food. I saw something about adding molasses maybe to diet.She looked normal 2 days ago.

 

[CoriM]

Is there a way you can separate the males from the females for a time so she's not ganged up on? She only has you to protect her. Does she have oyster shells available? Does she swim every day?

 

[CoriM]

If she needs a pick-me up you can sometimes give some rooster-booster in their water, just extra vitamins. I don't know that molasses will do anything...I read that it could be a flush for toxins and it doesn't sound like that was her problem.

 

[Kellypete9]

Yes I have separated her and am going to get rid of one more male. I can get her some oyster shells and she hasn't been swimming since her mate died. Where do you get rooster booster? Thank you for your help. I have been worried about her.

 

[CoriM]

Well if she hasn't swam for the past month that could be part of the problem for wet feather. Have you been able to find info. on treatment for that? Rooster booster is at your local feed store or online - Amazon carries it. If she's laying eggs she should have access to oyster shells all the time - just in a dish on the side - as that will provide extra calcium she needs for laying. I don't believe All-flock would have enough because it's not designed for layers.

 

[Kellypete9]

Yes I read to give her a lukewarm bath and use dawn detergent and keep her out of water for 2-3 days. I will look for the vitamins and add the oyster shells to an extra bowl. The nose thing is weird but hopefully all this will help. Thanks again for helping me.

 

[CoriM]

No problem, but never use detergent or soap of any kind on a duck, that could compound her problem and do more damage. Just plain water is all she needs!! And then let her preen and clean herself and she will access her oil gland and hopefully use that to bring her feathers back to waterproofed mode. Maybe give her regular access to bathing and a warm place to dry off for now.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

I commented on your other thread. The drake issue makes more sense as to why she is having issues.
On your other post, I stated that I don't think its wet feather and I still don't. The condition of her feathers look good. Check her preening gland, you should see a dirty gland vs a nice clean one if having issues with it. A warm cloth can often dislodge any grime without the use of soap. Soap would be the last alternative. And even then, you only need to wash the preening gland.
Drakes should have at least 4 hens. The overmating could definitely be causing the discoloration on the bill as well since drakes tend to pull skin and feathers of the head.