Duck biting blood feathers.

[Hgc]

I have three ducks. 2 rouens, 1 male, 1 female. Quaxwell and Ducklett, and a buff orpington female named daisy. About 3 days ago, I noticed ducklett was bleeding from her wing. Thanks to this website, I found out it was her blood feather. It was not bad, just a little blood, so I took her out, cleaned her up and a few hours later tried to put her back with the other two, my male chased her and bit her a couple times, so I took him out, and the other female less aggressive but still bit at her feathers, so I removed ducklett again. Yesterday, again I tried to put her back. It was a bad idea. The male seemed aggressive and chasing her, the other female was crying and then he bit my ducklett again, this time bad. The feathers were bleeding and it took me a minute to finally get it to stop. Then the male was going for the non injured female. He specifically was only biting her blood feathers and they aren't injured at all. Can I make hum stop? Why is he specifically going after the blood feathers? Thanks for any insight. Also, they are almost 6 weeks old and have been together since birth.

 

[KathiQuacks]

I had this problem with my first ducklings. Someone recommended it was a space issue, but I did not find that to be the case. I only had 1 biter, so I separated him away from the others for 2-3 days. I spent a lot of time with him while he was away so he wasn’t too lonely. Upon returning, he was still a bit rude, but much calmer than before.

Ducks really like the color red and are more likely to pick after a wound is created. You may want to get an antiseptic / anti-picking spray to help reduce picking. Or you may need to keep her separated from any biters until she heals.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Keep him separated for the spring. I find every year is different for every male. One year one male will be docile in the spring and the next year the same male will be a terror then the third year he is back to being sane. I just separate males now in the spring and let the females have a break unless I am hatching eggs. Once the spring hormones calm down everyone goes back together.

 

[ChickenScratchFeathers]

Blu Kote works really well in hiding the injury and red color, it also is a wound healer. I use Blu Koat every spring or time that I have someone molting, and I have no pecking problems with any of my poultry. And yes, also spray some anti-pick spray or lotion on. Blood feathers are high in protein, which is why they are often sought after by other ducks and chickens. Good luck!