Winter molting

kscope75

In the Brooder
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First although it's been a few months,I want to say thanks for your feedback on my duck house delima!
I was not able to get the shed I wanted, so settled on a low to the ground chicken coop! At first she hated the chicken run, but loves the coop, so much so, so far this winter she refuses to come out of it!
However, here it is in the middle of January and she has been losing her feathers for the past 3 1/2 weeks. Her feathers, including wing feathers and they are also turning a yellow color. It is too cold here for her pool and I have let her use my bathtub to take a bath too help keep pest away. She is currently on 16% should I increase to 20% feed or higher?
 
Not sure of your location, but how cold is “too cold” for her pool? Here, it’s been well below freezing, and I still let them have it when it’s not frozen over.
Is she solo? What breed?
Yellowing of feathers, especially in Pekins, is often from the change in diet during winter.
You mentioned she’s not coming out of her coop much- by chance is she acting like she’s trying to brood? It would explain some feather loss.
Ducks should go through two main molts each year, and can go through more smaller molts.
 
Lots of duck owners feed at least 20% with an all flock feed. Do you have other ducks?
Generally, I let my ducks swim at freezing temps, but not below. So, 32°F unless it feels unusually warm at a colder temp. I don't offer a large swimming pool though because temps dip quickly. I just keep rubber bowls filled, they will jump in if needed.
How old is the duck? Can you post pics of the feathers that concern you?
 

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