What disease is this?

[Miss Lydia]

Maybe treat it like wet feather it's rec to use Dawn soap. you know babies can get something called cradle cap wonder if this is similar.
http://www.majesticwaterfowl.org/artwetfeather2.htm

 

[Tesumph]

Maybe treat it like wet feather it's rec to use Dawn soap. you know babies can get something called cradle cap wonder if this is similar.
http://www.majesticwaterfowl.org/artwetfeather2.htm

Cradle cap is exactly what I was thinking of.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Sure sounds like it to me too.
could very well be something similar that these ducklings have.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cradle-cap/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350400

 

[Loopeend]

We washed the one in the picture. With dish washing soap. Nothing happened. Except that he is getting used to being picked up an washed.
We are going to wash the 5 twice a day like the vet said. I will keep you guys updated.

We decided not to breed with these ones. Since it is unsure what causes it. My heart breaks. Because especially one is my lap-sitting buddy who begs to be with me.. never had a duck so affectionate. But staying here will be a big hassle to prevent it from breeding. It's better to find a lap to sit on somewhere else to be sure no ducks will be born with this condition.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I hate that for you, not often you can get a Runner to sit let alone in a lap. I hope you can find them a great home for them maybe they will eventually out grow this condition. But I understand about not wanting to breed with them. Too much bad breeding going on as it is. Not just where you are but here in the USA and other countries too.

 

[HenniesInMyHeart]

I am wondering if it's the preening gland being too active? The patterning of the grease you described would be consistent with this. I would be shocked if an avian vet missed that though! Hopefully the U will have some answers.

ETA: I posted before reading through. Hmm. This is definitely weird about the strange way their pinfeathers are coming in. I am stumped too. I hope they get better! As for the seller, what a JERK!

 

[Loopeend]

I am wondering if it's the preening gland being too active? The patterning of the grease you described would be consistent with this. I would be shocked if an avian vet missed that though! Hopefully the U will have some answers.

It was my first time at this avian vet (thanks for learning me the right term 'avian'). I allways had this awesome old vetenary dude that came from the time that pidgeons were a massive hobby for every man alive. He knew birds. He didn't have to work anymore but did it for his passion. He passed away at 83 last year.
This new vet I trust also. It is an 8 year highest level university study to become a specialised vet here, birds are not the favourite specilisation, so she sure knows what a preening gland is. She hasn't looked at their glands, and I am sure that it is for a reason.

That cradle cap is very interesting. I will keep that in mind.

 

[Loopeend]

Well the washing with baby shampoo twice a day seems to have reduced the stuff.
But now they have started sneezing a lot more and some have breathing troubles..still no sign of dirty nose/ears. Also their poop changed to a really thin and brown and incredibilly smelly.
One of the ducklings began to walk weird, straight up, legs wide, doesn't bend it's legs and one leg keep shivvering when put weight on it. It does poop however.
Sigh.
So that is going to be another trip to the vet.

 

[HenniesInMyHeart]

What a nightmare! Poor duckies. I am so sorry.

 

[Tesumph]

That sucks, I’m sorry. :/ I don’t know enough about duck diseases to be of any real use to you. But I’m sorry this has been put on you, don’t give up yet, as disheartening and frustrating as this is.