Duck's (as in the bird kind :p)

[3Beasties]

We have 4 ducks, 2 male and 2 female. They are a very close little group and get on really well. They are all just over 12 months old.

I was watching them in their pool today and it looks like the females aren't waterproof anymore (in the sense that the water doesn't run of their feathers) one seemed worse then the other. They are looking a bit scruffy at the moment, almost like there feathers are changing.

Any idea's what could cause this? Is it normal?

Also do ducks go broody in the same way that hens do?

Thanks in advance!

Also in SB

 

[3Beasties]

Are there no duck experts on here?

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

Not sure why that would happen to be honest. Do they regularly groom themselves?

We only have Daisy left (Mr Fox got Donald) and she is always grooming and preening - is defiantely waterproof as she pops in the horses troughs for a little splash around when she feels like it!!

Maybe they are just growing new feathers or something.

 

[3Beasties]

I was watching them for quite a while today just to make sure they were OK, they did a lot of preening/grooming when ever they came out of the water which I though is what produces the oils that makes them waterproof. Doesn't seem to be helping them though

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

Well yes the preening and grooming should help waterproof them - maybe they are just changing feathers - I would just keep your eye on them as they sound like they are ok - the grooming and preening should sort them out.