what is wrong with this call duck drake?

[deineria]

This poor little fellow - I have no idea what is going on with him. . .

While I've always had chickens, I'm new to ducks -

About 4 weeks ago, he stopped getting in the water pan - his beak and eyes have been filthy -
I clean it off, but it doesn't last long.

When I've cleaned him off with water and tried to dry him, the water doesn't bead off like it does all the others,
and everyone else looks quite healthy.

I took this photo of the sickly one today, and then photos of a few of the others. . .

Should I separate him? Any ideas on the cause?



these are some of the others to show the others are in good shape

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

In that picture he looks good. If water is not shedding off his back it could be an oil gland issue. You would want to check if it is blocked or not functioning correctly. Look up wet feather, it will go over oil gland issues and treatment. Pretty ducks, good luck with him.

 

[deineria]

Looks like the right photo isn't showing up -

The photos showing up are the ducks in good shape -

This is the correct photo:

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Check his oil gland, he looks rumpled as if he hasn't be able to groom properly.

No new birds, food, or living arrangements to bring on stress of injury right?

 

[deineria]

They were all purchased at the Ohio show in November -

It was mid December when this started. . .

I hadn't heard of wet feather until posting this, but after reading more, it seems
that is what is going on - but I am not sure of the cause in his case -

what are possible treatments?

 

[Amiga]

Giving him some time in lukewarm clean water may help. Also, I'm guessing he may be more susceptible to stress. You don't know much about his history, I'm guessing.

Baths can help jump start the oil gland and preening behaviors in ducklings, so it may help get him back in the swing. Wet feather can be caused by external parasites. You would (in my case, if I'm wearing my glasses) be able to see little specks, often tan in color, if he's got bugs.

My first approach is bath, with a number of minor ailments, and then get a good look at his feathers and his oil gland.

 

[deineria]

What can I do if the oil glad isn't functioning as it should. I looked at it today - it seems a bit hard around it. . . but again, these are my first ducks.

 

[Amiga]

Some people massage a little oil into the gland. I don't have experience with this, but I have used olive oil on myself to treat inflamed skin. You could try a search of the forum using terms like "oil gland treatment" and see what pops up.

Here's what Holderread says in Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks (get the book if you can - it's not perfect, but it's great)

If the oil gland is infected or plugged, it should be massaged gently several times daily with a warm compress, and the bird should be given an oral antibiotic as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Then he goes on about mites.

I'll check my new book on pet ducks and get back to you.

Edit to add:

Okay, I love this new book!!! The Ultimate Pet Duck Guidebook by Kimberly Link of Majestic Waterfowl.

I am reading it bit by bit, have not read the whole thing.

However, she has two pages on oil gland issues! yeah!

Ready?

If it's an infection, as stated above, it will need antibiotics.
It may respond to gentle warm massage 2 to 3 times a day
Warm compresses (not hot)
Diet may need to be improved
Vitamin A deficiency
Stress will cause this problem - try to soothe the duck with a peaceful environment
wheat included in the diet can help
cat kibble with fish oil can help
sometimes the duck is getting ready to molt, and that's the only thing that will fix it

How's that?

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Amiga is giving great advise here. You can use an old wash cloth, or gauze pads you place in warm water then onto the gland. Gentlly rub between your thumb and first finger. You should see oil on the cloth you use. If not you probably should seek a vets help.

 

[deineria]

Thank you! Will try all of those suggestions -

I've been feeding a Purina feed for ducks, but I am happy to feed something else
if diet it likely an issue.