Why do her feathers look so gross? Is it wet feather

[Sierra67]

On top.

Ok, that’s what I thought but couldn’t find anything earlier. And I also don’t think it’s a molt because she’s looked like this since I got her in may (first time with ducks still learning) I’ve seen her swim just not often.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

This is a thread about a goose, but all poultry have the preening gland in approximately the same area.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/whats-this-yellow-lump-near-her-tail.1466403/#post-24429288

 

[Crazy Maizie]

Ok, that’s what I thought but couldn’t find anything earlier. And I also don’t think it’s a molt because she’s looked like this since I got her in may (first time with ducks still learning) I’ve seen her swim just not often.

If her gland is clogged, swimming won't help much. It gets clogged easily since they make mud - and wade in mud.

 

[Sierra67]

If her gland is clogged, swimming won't help much. It gets clogged easily since they make mud - and wade in mud.

Bad photo but is that the oil gland? Why does it have feathers in it, it was yellow and crusty inside the feathers, I have her in a large bin in my house for now

 

[Sierra67]

Very scared but pretty girl

 

[Crazy Maizie]

Honestly, I can't tell. But, it should look similsr to a nipple. Just make sure the "yellow crusty" area isn't a cluster of lice or mites. Ducks usually don't get either, but you stated your gal doesn't swim much. If it is the gland, and you've cleaned it, then she will be back to normal soon. However all of her feathers won't be in the best shape until the molts.

 

[Sierra67]

Honestly, I can't tell. But, it should look similsr to a nipple. Just make sure the "yellow crusty" area isn't a cluster of lice or mites. Ducks usually don't get either, but you stated your gal doesn't swim much. If it is the gland, and you've cleaned it, then she will be back to normal soon. However all of her feathers won't be in the best shape until the molts.

She just molted her flight feathers because she was broody but they came back looking like crap too. I looked at one of my males and found the same looking lump feathery thing as this gal. But no other lumps anywere that I can see

 

[Crazy Maizie]

She just molted her flight feathers because she was broody but they came back looking like crap too. I looked at one of my males and found the same looking lump feathery thing as this gal. But no other lumps anywere that I can see

I should have stated "full molt". But, if her feathers molt back in not in the best shape, there might be something else going on. Maybe she will just always have bad feathers?

 

[HollowOfWisps]

This is the duck we were talking about sunbleaching on another post correct? I am almost wondering if because she was not receiving the correct nutrition before you got her that when she molted her flight feathers she didn't have enough time to be on a good constant diet to grow healthy feathers. I honestly think that with consistent proper nutrition, access to swim time and a good full molt she will be looking much better.

 

[Sierra67]

I should have stated "full molt". But, if her feathers molt back in not in the best shape, there might be something else going on. Maybe she will just always have bad feathers?

Maybe. She lays good eggs, eats and drinks well, just doesn’t have nice feathers or swim often

This is the duck we were talking about sunbleaching on another post correct? I am almost wondering if because she was not receiving the correct nutrition before you got her that when she molted her flight feathers she didn't have enough time to be on a good constant diet to grow healthy feathers. I honestly think that with consistent proper nutrition, access to swim time and a good full molt she will be looking much better.

The people I got her from were feeding her rabbit pellets and black sunflower seeds. The male she came with looks awesome but she doesn’t